I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! 
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| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



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HISTORY AKD DIRECTORY 



Temple Presbyterian Church, 



FORMERLY 



CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE NORTHERN LIBERTIES, 



(THE LIBRARY 
PHILADELPHIA. MOW CONGRESS 



WASHINGTON 



BY 

JAMES Y. MITCHELL, 

PASTOR. 



J. W. DAUGHADAY & CO., 

PHILADELPHIA. 4 

1873. 



^$ 






Entiied according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 

JAMES Y. MITCHELL, 
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D, C. 

lighter & Gibson, Eitnier», 
J2I4 Chestnut St. 



PREFACE. 



The idea of writing this history did not originate 
with me. By a vote of the Board of Trustees, on 
the 13th of April, 1868, my name was associated 
with others on a committee to do a work of this 
kind. The matter of compiling and writing was left 
entirely to me. Very soon after this appointment, 
engagements connected with the building of the 
"New Church " were quite sufficient to claim all the 
time I could reasonably give outside of my regular 
pastoral duties. This will account for the work 
being delayed until the present time. More recently 
our Synod took formal action looking towards the 
preparation of histories of individual churches, and 
the "Presbyterian Historical Society," through its 
Secretary, Mr. Samuel Agnew, has been earnest in 
pressing this subject upon the attention of pastors. 

For much of the introductory history in this 
volume I am indebted to Rev. T. J. Shepherd, D.D., 



4 PREFACE, 

whose book, entitled " The Days that are Past," 
should be in the hands of all who are interested in 
the beginnings of Presbyterianism in the northern 
section of our city. I have also examined, in connec- 
tion with our own church records, the records of 
other churches. I have consulted with persons in 
the city, and corresponded with others out of the 
city, for facts, or for confirmatory evidence of facts 
already possessed. 

I have incorporated here and there, throughout 
the work, so much of outside history as I have felt 
requisite ; for frequently what was going on without 
was the occasion of, or gave coloring to, what was 
going on within the church. 

I am glad to believe that the work meets with the 
cordial approval and endorsement of those to whom 
it has already been submitted for examination, and 
can desire no more than that its publication will in- 
tensify the attachment and love of our members to 
this church, which God has so wonderfully kept, 
and so signally blessed. 

JAS. Y. MITCHELL, 

May, 1873. 



HISTORY. 



" We have thought of thy loving kindness, O, God, in the 

MIDST OF THY TEMPLE. WALK ABOUT ZlON, AND GO ROUND ABOUT 
HER : TELL THE TOWERS THEREOF. MARK YE "WELL HER BULWARKS, 
CONSIDER HER PALACES ; THAT YE MAY TELL IT TO THE GENERA- 
TION following. For this God is our God, for ever and 

EVER : HE WILL BE OUR GUIDE EVEN UNTO DEATH. " 

Psalm, xlviii: 9, 12, 13, 14. 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 

To The Presbyterian Church must be accorded 
the honor of inaugurating regular religious services 
in the northern section of our city. 

For some time before the Revolutionary War, 
when all north of Vine street was nothing more 
than a country settlement, the Second Presbyterian 
Church, then worshiping at the corner of Third and 
Arch streets, held the "North End" of the city as a 
field for their missionary labors. 

There was not the attraction of a dense population 
to call them to this work. There was no commo- 
dious or attractive room in which to gather a con- 
gregation. Love for souls, and a deep interest in the 
Master's kingdom, alone impelled them to it. 

Uninviting as the field was, the Second Church 



8 HISTORY OF THE 

cultivated it. Arrangements were made for services 
to be held at stated times, in a small house, which 
they provided and fitted up, at the north-east corner 
of St. John and Coates streets. 

The different pastors of that church fully entered 
into that movement, and gave of their time and 
talents to preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus 
Christ in the midst of these waste places. 

In the Providence of God, these pulpit ministra- 
tions were of the very highest order. During the 
whole time that this was occupied as a missionary 
field, the Second Church was blessed with four of the 
very best preachers and pastors, viz. : Drs. Gilbert 
Tennent, James Sproat, Ashbel Green, and Jacob J. 
Jane way ; men alike gifted, zealous, wise, warm- 
hearted and evangelical. 

These labors, so early begun, were interrupted by 
the Revolutionary War. 

The British army encamped here, and the house 
in which religious services had been held was used 
as a receptacle for military stores. 

From this fact it received the name by which it 
was afterwards known — " The Old Cannon House." 

Soon after the termination of the " War," Rev. Dr. 
Sproat revived the services which had been inter- 
rupted. 

The congregation soon became too large for the 
building they had, and, of necessity, they were led 
to consider the project of erecting a church building 
elsewhere. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 9 

A lot at the northwest corner of Second and 
Coates streets, was donated for this object by Mr. 
William Coates. Money was solicited and secured 
for the building. The work went on, and on Sab- 
bath, April 7th, 1805, the completed building was 
opened with appropriate services. 

This mission church was afterward formally or- 
ganized into what is now known as the First Pres- 
byterian Church in the Northern Liberties. 

G-od abundantly blessed the labors which were 
there bestowed. He poured out copiously of His 
Hoty Spirit upon the people, and the first pastor of 
the church had the pleasing satisfaction of seeing 
the membership grow from fifty-two, the number at 
the time of his installation, January 11th, 1814, to 
about eleven hundred, the number enrolled in the 
spring of 1829, when it was proposed to move to a 
more westward location. 

The subject of removal was agitated for about 
three years. In March, 1832, a lot of ground was 
purchased in Buttonwood street, below Sixth, and in 
May following, the work of building a new edifice 
commenced. 

The lecture room in the new church building 
was opened for service in December of the same year; 
and on May 12th, 1833, the audience room being fin- 
ished, was appropriately dedicated to the worship 
of God. 

The signal success which attended the preaching 
of Mr. Patterson, the crowds which waited on his 



10 HISTORY OF THE 

ministry, the constant growth of the population, and 
the felt want of increased church accommodations, 
led some of his people to seek for the establish- 
ment of 

ANOTHER CHURCH. 

As early as the year 1825, one hundred and four 
persons petitioned the Philadelphia Presbytery to 
organize a new church. 

Through their committee, the Presbytery organized 
a church, to be known as the " Second Presbyterian 
Church in the Northern Liberties." 

This church called the Rev. James Smith to be 
their pastor, and for five years maintained worship 
in the Commissioners' Hall, in Third street, below 
Green. 

At the end of that time they undertook the erec- 
tion of a building in Sixth street, above Green. 
They succeeded in getting the building under roof, 
and occupying the basement for worship, but they 
were well-nigh overwhelmed with financial troubles. 

At this time, 

ANOTHER COLONY, 

of thirty-eight persons, went out from the First 
Church. 

These persons had all along differed from their 
brethren on the question of church site, and felt, too, 
that they had an independent work to do for their 
Master. They asked, therefore, to be dismissed, in 
order to constitute the " Third Presbyterian Church 
in the Northern Liberties." 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 11 

Dismissed, and regularly organized into a church, 
they met for worship, conducted by Rev. Hugh M. 
Koontz, in a school-room on Poplar street, above 
Second. 

In the course of a few months, negotiations for the 
union of the Second and Third Churches were begun 
and consummated.* 

The plan of union provided that both of the 
churches should drop their names, and come together 
under the name of " The First Presbyterian Church 
of Penn Township, "f- The pastor of the Second 
Church was to resign, and Rev. H. M. Koontz, the 
supply of the Third Church, was to be elected pastor 
of the united church. The burden of completing the 
building was to be borne by the Third Church. 

Thus united, the work of finishing the building 
was pushed rapidly forward. 



II. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE " CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
IN THE NORTHERN LIBERTIES." 

In the "First Church of Penn Township," dif- 
ferences of opinion soon arose, and before the con- 
gregation had occupied the audience-room of their 
building, the communion was distracted and divided. 
One part, by common consent, retained the house, the 

* This new organization was effected November 21st, 1831. 

t This church is now called " The North Presbyterian Church." 



12 HISTORY OF THE 

pastor, and the name. The other part returned to 
the school-room on Poplar street, worshiped there 
for a short time, then went to " The Commissioners' 
Hall," in Third street, below Green,* 

In the second story of this hall a church organiza- 
tion was effected, on June 24th, 1835, under the title 
of " The Central Presbyterian Church in the Northern 
Liberties." Rev. John McDowell, D.D., presided, 
and Rev. C. C. Cuyler, D.D., assisted at the organi- 
zation. Twenty-one persons enrolled themselves as 
members of the church. These persons presented 
certificates of dismission to organize this new church, 
as follows : 

From the First Presbyterian Church, Penn Township. 

Charles Elliot, Joseph Pond, 

Anna Maria Elliot, Catharine Pond, 

John G. Flegel, Hannah Harby, 

Sarah Flegel, Margaret Naglee, 

Ellen Naglee, Ann Reynolds, 

Joseph Naglee, Benjamin ]STaglee, 

Hannah A, Naglee, Hannah R. Naglee, 

From the Fifth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. 
John A. Stewart, Margaret Stewart. 

From the First Presbyterian Church, Northern Liberties. 
William P. Aitken, Amelia Aitken, 
Joseph Aitken, Mary M. Aitken, 

Charles C. Aitken. 

* This hall was torn down some few years ago, and in its place now stands the 
Northern Liberties Public School* 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 13 

After the organization, the people elected three 
elders, who were solemnly set apart to their office. 
Agreeably to a notice given from the pulpit, June 
28th, 1835* a meeting of the congregation was held 
on Monday, June 29th. At this meeting the con- 
gregation proceeded to an election for pastor, when a 
call was unanimously made out for the pastoral ser- 
vices of Rev. Wm. H. Burroughs.* 

Mr. Burroughs had been preaching and laboring 
in the Northern Liberties since the 19th of April, 
preceding this meeting, and with considerable suc- 
cess. He accepted the call of this congregation, and 
was installed as the first pastor of this church by the 
Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, on the evening of 
August 24th, 1835. 

The installation services were held in the First 



* Mr. Burroughs was born in Vermont, and educated at Hamilton College, 
N. Y. After leaving College, he taught for some time a classical school in 
Trenton, N. J Afterwards he became a teacher in the Manual Labor Institu- 
tion at Germantown, Pa. When a Manual Labor Academy was instituted at 
Elfzabethtown, N. J., he was invited to take charge of it, which he did, and 
continued in this position for two years, when he relinquished it, in order to give 
his whole attention to preparation for the ministry. He was licensed to preach 
the gospel by the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, February 19th, 1833. Two 
months later, by the same Presbytery, he was ordained to the work of the gospel 
ministry^with a Tiew to his laboring as a stated supply in the church at New 
Providence, N. J. On October 8th, 1833, he was regularly installed as pastor of 
that church. In the spring of 1834 he was called to the First Church, Penn 
Township, but his Presbytery refused to release him from his charge at New 
Providence. His health was greatly impaired about this time; and after a 
journey to the Sooth in 1834, he returned to his charge, followed by a call from 
Oakland College, Mississippi, to become a Professor in that institution, also by 
overtures from a number of persons in the First Church, Penn Township, to 
come to this city and load them in the formation of a congregation and the 
building of a new church. This invitation he accepted, and thus became the 
first pastor of this church. 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

Presbyterian Church, N". L., by invitation from the 
pastor, Rev. James Patterson. 

Before this church organization, however, the peo- 
ple, though small in numbers, were arranging for 
the building of a church edifice. By mutual agree- 
ment, Messrs. Joseph Naglee, Benjamin Naglee, Joseph 
Pond, John A. Stewart, and John GL Flegel, met 
with Mr. Charles Elliot, at his house, on December 
31st, 1834, to consult together "on the expediency of 
erecting a building, to be occupied by a Presbyterian 
congregation, in the Northern Liberties." i 

After prayer, and a free conversation on the sub- 
ject named, this little company organized themselves 
into what they denominated an "Association," having 
for its object the "purchase of a lot of ground, and 
the erection thereon of a building of sufficient dimen- 
sions to accommodate a congregation, and also to be 
so constructed as to be useful for Sunday and infant 
schools, and any other object by which the morals and 
minds of the youth of this neighborhood may be 
improved." 

Frequent meetings of the Association were held, 
and arrangements were soon entered into to purchase 
ground on the north side of Coates street, below 
Fourth. At this place there were two lots adjoin- 
ing, belonging to different owners, and occupied at 
the time with small houses. To one of these owners 
was given $4,000, and to the other $3,650, making a 
total for the lots and buildings thereon of $7,650. 

The Association added other persons to their mem- 




1 II *4 



THE OLD CHURCH 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 15 

bership, and they held the property, which they 
secured, in stock, at $200 per share. 

The two lots purchased, when thrown into one, 
had a frontage on Coates street of 80 feet, and ran 
back to a depth of 157 feet. 

The work of cleaning the ground, and preparing 
for building, was soon actively commenced. The 
small houses on the front of the lot, to the east and 
west, were allowed to remain, while an avenue, 30 
feet wide, was opened in the center, running back 81 
feet from the building line on Coates street. Where 
this avenue ended, the front of the church building 
stood. 

The building itself was 61 feet wide by 66 feet 
deep. It was built of stone and rough-cast. Its 
design was plain, but attractive, and was in rigid 
conformity to the style of church architecture com- 
mon at that day. 

The trees which grew on either side of the long 
avenue, gave a special attractiveness to the exterior 
as one approached the building, and we have no 
doubt that its projectors and builders regarded it 
complete, as completeness was reckoned in those days. 
When finished, it had on the main floor of the audi- 
ence-room one hundred and seventeen pews, and in 
the gallery thirty pews. These pews afforded sitting 
accommodation for about seven hundred persons. 

On the lower floor, there were the lecture room, 
which was used also as the main Sunday School 
room; the session and trustees' room, and the Infant 
Sunday School room. 



16 HISTORY OF THE 

Like all the lecture rooms of churches built about 
this time, the one in this church was, in the true 
sense of that word, a basement Its floor was several 
feet below the line of the pavement, and we wonder 
not, that in our day, many complaints were made 
of its darkness and dampness. 

One of the essentials of a church property in those 
days, was to have provision made for the burial of 
the dead. Hence, burial vaults were arranged on the 
east side, and in front of the building. Some of 
these were designed for the poor of the church, some 
for rent to outside parties, and some for sale to any 
desiring to purchase. 

The work of building had so far progressed during 
the spring and summer of 1835, that on the 12th of 
October, the Association appointed a committee to in- 
vite the congregation worshiping in Commissioners' 
Hall, which had been duly organized as the Central 
Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liberties, to 
come, with their pastor, and hold their services in 
the Session room of the new building. 

This invitation was accepted, and on the 14th of 
November, 1835, this church and congregation, not 
only met there for worship, but with appropriate ex- 
ercises formally dedicated the lower room to the ser- 
vice of God.* 

* A short lime before the opening of the church, the pastor had ruptured a 
Mood vessel. In a very weak condition, he attended the opening services. Kev. 
Mr. Bacon, a city missionary, preached the sermon. The pastor offered the 
prayer, and baptized Miss Malvina Walton, who was received into the church on 
profession of faith. This was the last time Mr. Burroughs was in the church. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 17 

While the work of finishing the main room of the 
building was going on, the attention of the congre- 
gation was directed to the framing of a Constitution, 
and the securing of a Charter. 

A Constitution was adopted in the beginning of 
the year 1836, and the Charter was obtained and re- 
corded at Harrisburg, July 8th, of the same year. 

Under this Constitution and Charter the following 
persons constituted the first Board of Trustees : 

Benjamin Naglee, ^| To serve until the second 
Charles Elliot, > Monday in January, 

John A. Stewart, J 1837. 

Edward Patteson, ~] To serve until the second 

Caspar Yeager, V Monday in January, 

Peter Mintzer, J 1838. 

Joseph Pond, \ To serve until the second 
Joseph Naglee, V Monday in January, 

John G, Flegel, j 1839, 

The first annual meeting of the congregation, 
under the Charter, was held January 9th, 1837 ; at 
which time Messers. B. Naglee, C. Elliot, and J. A, 
Stewart, whose term of service in the Board had ex- 
pired, were elected by ballot, to serve for three years, 

The first meeting of the Board of Trustees, under 
the Charter, was held July 27th, 1836. An election 
for officers took place with the following result: 

President, Charles Elliot. 

Secretary, Edward Patteson. 

Treasurer, Benjamin Naglee. 



18 UISTOHY OF THE 

At this meeting a committee was appointed to 
confer with the Association, relative to the transfer 
of their property to this congregation. Also, a com- 
mittee to draft suitable By-Laws for the government 
of the Board. 

While these temporal interests Were being con- 
sidered, the church was not neglecting spiritual 
aifairSi They maintained their services regularly, 
and the spirit of the records shows that all the mem- 
bers were awake to do the " will of God." 

Their pastor, however, Rev. Wm. H. Burroughs, 
was compelled by feeble health to leave them, and in 
less than one year from the time of his installation, 
God called him " Home." 

There were added to the church, during his minis- 
try, twenty-three persons. 

CALL DECLINED. 

The congregation met, agreeably to notice given 
from the pulpit, on Tuesday evening, May 10th, 
1836, to proceed if the way be clear, to the election 
of a pastor. At this meeting they elected Rev. 
Robert Dunlap, then of Danville, as their pastor, 
Mr. Dunlap, however, declined to accept the call oi 
this congregation. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 19 

III. 

REV. T. A. J. MINES, THE SECOND PASTOR. 

About the 1st of August, 1836, the upper part of 
the church building was finished and appropriately 
opened for Divine Service. 

The people, who had (since the dissolution of Mr. 
Burroughs' pastoral relation) been depending on sup- 
plies for their pulpit, now took steps to call a pastor. 

Accordingly, on the 26th of August, 1836, a con- 
gregational meeting was held, and Rev. Thomas A. J. 
Mines was elected pastor. He was installed in the 
month of September following. His ministry among 
the people was brief. Sickness compelled him, at the 
end of two months, to retire from the work.* 

The congregation were again dependent on pulpit 
supplies, but the people kept in good heart, and dili- 
gently applied themselves to their labors. 

The committee of the Trustees appointed to confer 
with the Association relative to the transfer of their 
property to the congregation, made their report 
August 13th, 1836. It was in substance as follows : 

" The Association express a willingness to transfer 

* We have been unable to obtain detailed information concerning Mr. Mines. 
We know only that he was born in Virginia, and that in 1832 he was received 
as a student in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. Here he continued 
for a little over a year, when he went to Maysville, Ky. ; then to Germantown, 
Pa.; and afterwards to Carbondale, Pa. He was preaching at the latter place 
when he received the call to this church, which he accepted. This was his last 
charge. Upon resigning, he went to the house of his father, Rev. John Mines, 
who then lived at Rockville, Md. After an illness of about fifteen months, God 
called him home. 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

the property now held by them in Coates street, near 
Fourth, to this congregation, provided this congrega- 
tion pay them the amount of money advanced by 
them, and assume all the responsibility incurred by 
them in purchasing the lot, and erecting the building 
and burial vaults, so as to release them." 

This proposition was accepted by the Trustees, and 
a committee was appointed to make the arrangements 
and receive the transfer, subject to the approval of 
the congregation. 

Considerable delay occurred before the matter was 
consummated ; a delay, as we learn from the report 
of the Trustees, made at a congregational meeting 
held January 8th, 1838, occasioned by the unfinished 
condition of the church, and the unfinished state of 
the accounts of the Association. 

At this meeting the congregation empowered the 
Board of Trustees to make all the necessary arrange- 
ments for the transfer of the property to them, and 
to call the congregation together when they were 
ready to report. 

At a meeting of the congregation, held April 24th, 
1838, the terms of the transfer were read in detail, 
and, on motion, " the Trustees were authorized* to 
carry the conditions of the Association into effect, 
by giving corporation notes, and executing the deeds 
and mortgages therein specified.'' 

The whole cost of the property, including lot, 
building and vaults, was $23,433.85. Deducting the 
amount credited to the congregation from the time 




■F^^^a - 




TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 21 

of its occupancy of the building, there was a balance 
still due the Association of $21,289.92. This was 
the actual indebtedness of the church at the time of 
the transfer. From the sale of pews and burial vaults, 
this amount was afterwards reduced to $17,039.92, 
which was called the " standing debt." 

The congregation, at the time they accepted the 
property, with the heavy debt resting upon it, was 
comparatively small. The records show quite clearly 
that the average attendance upon the Sabbath services 
was less than two hundred persons. Yet they were 
a people accustomed to church hardships and church 
toil ; and, as their annual reports in these early 
years so frequently express it, they labored patiently? 
zealously and unitedly, trusting ever in the blessing 
of God/ 



IV. 

REV. ANSON ROOD, THE THIRD PASTOR.* 

It was the good fortune of this people, under God, 
to call as their pastor Rev. Anson Rood, from Dan- 
bury, Connecticut, He was duly installed December 
15th, 1837. His salary was fixed at $1000 per an- 
num. It seems that Mr. Rood was eminently qualified 

* Mr. Rood was born in Vermont. He graduated at Middleburg College, Vt., 
in 1825. For a short time after graduation he was a student in Princeton Theo- 
logical Seminary. He was ordained a pastor of the church at Danbury, Conn., 
April 23d, 1829. He continued with his first charge until he accepted the call 
to this church. After resigning his pastoral charge of this church, his health 
never permitted him to undertake the work again. 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

to encourage the people. He entered heartily into 
their work. He was one with them. 

We might reasonably expect that there would be 
embarrassing times for years to come, after a feeble 
church had assumed such a weight of debt. But it 
was comforting to this people to have in their pastor 
one who, never despairing, bade them "go forward." 

While it is bewildering to us to read of liabilities, 
deficiencies, loans and mortgages, which constantly 
meet our eyes in turning the pages of our earliest 
records, it is quite gratifying to discover that those 
who have gone before us were never slow to suggest 
ways and means to meet the demands upon them. 

The pastor constantly stirred up the people, from 
the pulpit, to a remembrance that these must be met. 
Subscription papers were started on the Sabbath, and 
during the week. These were scarcely out of sight 
before others were presented. Such rooms as could 
be used were rented for week-day schools. The 
ladies formed a "Mite Society." The people were 
earnestly solicited to give more liberally to the Sab- 
bath collections. All the income of the church was 
voted to meet the claims upon it, and the pastor's 
salary was to be met by voluntary subscriptions. 
Pew rents were raised, and lowered, and raised again, 
as the exigency of the case required. Money was 
raised on mortgage, so that a previous mortgage 
might be paid, and those who had it ii} their power 
frequently relieved the church from pressing claims, 
by making temporary loans. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 23 

Such was, in brief, the condition of temporal things 
during the nine years succeeding the time of the 
transfer of the property trom the Association to the 
congregation. 

During the spring of 1847, a determined effort be- 
gan to change the aspect of affairs. A committee, 
in conjunction with the pastor, undertook to raise an 
amount sufficient to free the church from all embar- 
rassment. They were so far successful that on May 
26th, 1847, according to a previous announcement, 
the congregation met to congratulate each other, and 
return thanks to God. At this meeting a series of 
congratulatory resolutions were adopted ; and after 
enjoying some refreshments, which had been pro- 
vided, the congregation adjourned. 

The measure of this success, as we find reported at 
a congregational meeting, held January 11th, 1848, 
was the reduction of the "permanent debt" from 
$15,200 to $8,750. During that same year the two 
lots on Coates street, to the front of and east and 
west of the church, and running back eighty feet, 
were sold to parties with the understanding that 
they should erect thereon two fine brick dwellings. 
For these lots the Board of Trustees received $3,000. 
This amount with the special effort before named, 
enabled the Trustees, in their annual report, pre- 
sented in 1848, to announce the "permanent debt" 
of the church to be $5,750. In addition to this, they 
reported also a floating debt of $1,349. 

During these years, when the congregation was 



24 HISTORY OF THE 

struggling to maintain itself, we do well to remem- 
ber that it was not forgetful of the wants of others. 
The church was opened time and again for worthy 
objects. The Tract, the Bible, the Mission, and 
other causes, were allowed to be presented, and ap- 
peals for help were cheerfully and liberally responded 
to. So truly was this the case, and so generally was 
the fact known, that our church had the honorable 
reputation of being one of the most benevolent in 
the city. So deeply interested was the pastor in be- 
half of the needy, that his seeking after them, and 
making provision for their necessities, amounted 
almost to a passion. He not only cheerfully gave of 
his own substance, but canvassed his congregation 
for further gifts, to help the deserving poor whom 
he had previously sought out. His large-hearted- 
ness was fully understood and appreciated by the 
congregation. They in turn sought to " devise libe- 
ral things." They kept their property in good repair, 
altered it, sometimes at considerable expense, if the 
improvements of the times or the comforts of the 
people required it. 

For the first time in its history, the building was 
closed from the latter part of June, 1841, until the 
8th of August, for repairs. During this time it was 
thoroughly cleaned and painted. An organ was 
placed in the gallery, pipes were introduced into the 
building, and gaslight took the place of oil light- 
In every way the people sought to make the place 
suitable for a worshiping assembly. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 25 

It is not to be wondered at that God gave spiritual 
blessings to those who were bent upon building up 
his church. He continually reminded them that he 
was with them. During these years he poured out 
his Holy Spirit, and there were added unto the 
church a goodly number of souls. 

One precious revival began in the winter of 1842, 
and continued without interruption for twelve weeks. 
It was denominated "The Great Revival." Meet- 
ings were held every evening but Saturday evening, 
and, as a result, more than one hundred were con- 
verted, and added to the church. 

Mr. Rood's health had become greatly impaired, 
so that he was compelled to seek rest from his pas- 
toral cares.. Accordingly he addressed the following 
letter to the Session of the church, and they, in turn, 
laid it before the people at a congregational meeting 
held January 24th, 1849. 

Dear Brethren : 

I address you, as the proper organ of commu- 
nication with the church and congregation, in refer- 
ence to a subject mutually interesting to them and 
myself. For many weeks as is well known, I have 
been laid aside from my usual labors, and I see no 
prospect of being able to resume them. I am quite 
sensible that the congregation whose interests I have 
had so much at heart, must suffer inconvenience and 
injury by this long suspension of pastoral labor; and 
I have resolved, therefore, to resign my pastoral 
charge, that there may be no impediment in filling 
my place with one whose time and energies, shall be 



26 HISTORY OF THE 

devoted to the work in which I have been engaged. 
In taking this step (which it is proper to say is en- 
tirely the prompting of my own convictions of 
duty), there are a thousand tender recollections, and 
associations, which press upon my mind. I think ot 
months and years that are past, of the harmonies 
and happy charge I left to come among you ; of my 
hopes and plans, my desires and aims. But on this 
topic, I must not, I cannot dwell. In my present 
circumstances as may well be supposed, an en- 
largement upon them must be extremely painful 
to me. 

Let me through you, express to all the members 
of the church and congregation, my sincere thanks 
for all their kind attention and regard. We have 
lived together in great harmony. We shall part, I 
am sure, with feelings of mutual kindness and good 
will. That the richest blessings of the Good Shep- 
herd, may rest on you and yours, that you may be 
firmly established in the faith, and devoted to every 
good word and work, is the desire and prayer of your 
sincere friend and pastor, 

(Signed) A. Rood. 

Philadelphia, January 6, 1849. 

After the reading of the letter from Mr. Rood, a 
committee, consisting of Messrs. E. D. Tarr, R. M. 
Foust, Wm. Sanderson, and Isaac Ashmead, was ap- 
pointed to draft resolutions, expressive of the senti- 
ments of the meeting. The congregation engaged 
in devotional exercises, until the committee were 
prepared to report. 

After a season of absence, the majority of the 
committee reported as follows ; 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 27 

Resolved, 1st. That, in view of the peculiar state 
of the Rev. A. Rood's health, and his consequent 
desire to withdraw from the pastoral duties of this 
church and congregation ; we do not deem it advisa- 
ble to oppose his expressed desire to be dismissed. 

Resolved, 2d. That this congregation deeply and 
sincerely regret, that the health of Mr. Rood, was 
deemed by him such as to make it necessary, in his 
opinion, to withdraw from his pastoral relations with 
this church. 

Resolved, 3d. That the uniform and consistent 
character, the amiable and Christian deportment, the 
zealous and untiring and successful discharge of the 
pastoral relations of the Rev. A. Rood, call forth 
our highest admiration and commendation, and 
cause us to feel more sensibly the pangs of separa- 
tion. 

Resolved, 4th. That, in retiring from the position 
in which for a long season he has faithfully labored, 
our pastor carries with him our regret for the sepa- 
ration, our sympathies for his trials, and our earnest 
prayers for his speedy recovery to health. 

Resolved, 5th. That three members of this con- 
gregation be appointed to represent this congregation 
in rresbytery. 

Mr. Isaac Ashmead, the other member of the 
committee, who had not subscribed to the resolutions 
as offered, proposed the following as an amendment : 
To strike out all after the %st word, " Resolved," 
and insert the following : " That in view of the pe- 
culiar circumstances in which our pastor has been for 
a long time placed, it is inexpedient to take action 
upon his communication at the present time." 

The people, by the discussion which followed, gave 



28 HISTORY OF THE 

evidence that they were not yet prepared to act in 
the matter. They disposed of the whole subject at 
that meeting, by laying the communication from 
their pastor, with the resolutions of their committee, 
and the proposed amendment, upon the table, and 
adjourned to meet March 5th, 1849. 

At this meeting, the following preamble and reso- 
lution were adopted unanimously : 

"Whereas, The session communicates the fact to 
the meeting this Evening, that the Rev. A. Rood, 
in a letter dated February 23d, 184U, has renewed his 
desire that his resignation should be accepted ; there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That the resolutions reported at the 
meeting held January 24th, be adopted. 

Messrs. Elihu D. Tarr, Robert M. Foust, and Geo. 
C. Bower, were appointed commissioners to repre- 
sent the church and congregation at the next meet- 
ing of the Presbytery. 

Messrs. B. D. Stewart, Wm. Sanderson, Thos. 
Beaver, Saml. T. Bodine, and Henry Davis, were ap- 
pointed a committee to wait upon Rev. A. Rood, 
and communicate to him the proceedings of this 
meeting. 

From this time Mr. Rood was unable to resume 
the pastoral work. As much as lay in his power, 
however, he tried to work for his Master. The peo- 
ple of this church continued to hold him in affec- 
tionate remembrance, and their regard for him was 
embodied in the following preamble and resolutions, 
which are recorded in the minutes of Session Feb^ 
ruary 22d, 1858 : 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 29 

Whereas, The Rev. Anson Rood departed this 
life November 27th, 1857 ; and 

Whereas, from December 15th, 1837, to March 
5th, 1849, Mr. Rood was the beloved pastor of the 
Central Presbyterian Church, 1ST. L. ; and 

Whereas, we consider it alike the duty and the 
privilege of the Church of Christ to glorify (iod in 
those who have been faithful unto death ; therefore, 

Resolved, That in our deceased friend and pastor 
we recognize one who, with no ordinary zeal and self- 
denial, faithfully served his day and generation, 
aiming, to the full extent of his powers, alike by the 
pulpit and the press, to promote the welfare of the 
cause of Christ, of his country, and the world. 

Resolved, That during the time that he went out 
and in among us as our pastor, there is but one testi- 
mony to be given by us to his love for souls, his zeal 
for the honor of Christ, his sympathy with the desti- 
tute and the ignorant, and his steadfast imitation of 
the example of Him who went about doing good. 
Foremost in every good word and work, whether of 
a local or a general character, eminently sagacious, 
far-seeing and public-spirited, his meat and his drink 
it was to do the will of his Father in heaven. 

Resolved, That while we thus bear our cordial and 
united testimony as to his official character, we also 
remember him as the honest and upright man, the 
warm-hearted and sincere friend. The sympathy 
and respect already manifested for him by his breth- 
ren in the ministry, we fully respond to and recipro- 
cate, as the people of his charge. 

During the eleven years and three months that 
Mr. Rood was pastor of this church, there were 
added to the membership four hundred and thirty 
persons. 



30 HISTORY OF THE 

REV* T* J. SHEPHERD, DECLINES A CALL; 

About three months after the resignation of Mr 8 . 
Rood, the people, believing that they had heard a 
sufficient number of candidates preach in their pulpit ^ 
united in a request to the Session, to call a congrega- 
tional meetings for the purpose, if the way be clear, 
of electing a pastor* 

The Session acceded to this request, and accor- 
dingly a meeting of the congregation was held June 
8th, 1849. At this meeting the Rev, T. J. Shepherd 
was elected pastor* Mr* Shepherd at that time 
was pastor of the Harmony Presbyterian Church, 
Lisbon, Md., and a member of the Presbytery of the 
District of Columbia. At the present time he is the 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, K L. 

Messrs. R. M. Foust, E. D. Tarr and S. T. Bodine 
were appointed commissioners, on the part of the 
congregation, to prosecute the call before the Presby- 
tery of the District of Columbia. This Commit- 
tee met the last-named Presbytery in the city of 
Washington, August 7th, 1849. They pressed the 
claims of this congregation before that body, when, 
by a majority of one in Presbytery, the call was put 
into the hands of Mr. Shepherd. He declined to 
accept it, giving his reasons before his co-presbyters. 
These reasons he afterwards embodied in a letter, 
which was read at a meeting of this congregation T 
held August 31st, 1849. From this letter we learn 
that the peculiar necessities of the charge he then 
had, the interests which he had excited, and which 




9. 



t^T^CeS 




C&-i 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 31 

needed his further encouragement; the transition 
state of his church from a missionary to a self-sus- 
taining condition ; the divided sentiment among his 
brethren in Presbytery on the subject of his removal, 
together with other reasons, had determined him in 
his decision. 

Many hopes had been cherished by this people that 
the acceptance of their call by Mr. Shepherd would 
greatly advance the interests of the church. These 
hopes were destroyed for a time by his declination. 



V. 

REV. JAMES P. WILSON, D.D., THE FOURTH PASTOR.* 

The congregation had now been without a pastor 
for ten months. I cannot better express the state of 
things at that time than by collating the language 
of others, as found in the Minute Book. 



* Dr. Wilson was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He was ready for college when 
he was twelve years old, but did not enter until he was thirteen, and graduated 
at the University of Pennsylvania when he was sixteen years of age. He en- 
gaged in teaching, first at Hartsville, and then at Lancaster, Pa. In the spring 
of 1829 he commenced his theological studies under his father, Rev. James P. 
Wilson, D.D., who was said to be one of the best preachers in this country. 
He was licensed to preach by the Philadelphia Presbytery October 20th, 1830, 
and in 1839 was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Neshaminy. In 
July, 1847, he was elected President of Delaware College, Newark, Del. ; and in 
March, 1850, was installed as the pastor of this church. In the fall of 1850 he 
accepted the Professorship of Systematic Theology in Union Theological Semi- 
nary, N. Y.. and in the fall of 1853 resigned his Professorship, and was installed 
as pastor of a new church in Newark, N. J., where he still continues. 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

"The congregation had become discouraged and 
scattered. The church edifice needed not only re- 
modeling, but repairing within and without." 

"Money, greatly needed, was not possessed, and 
with difficulty could hardly be obtained?' 

"The members were comparatively few, and these, 
by reason of frequent disappointments, and the hope- 
less aspect of affairs, had lost much of their former 
fervor and zeal." 

At this juncture the congregation (Jan. 4th, 1850) 
called Rev. James P. Wilson, D.D., to become their 
pastor. He was at that time President of .Delaware 
College, at Newark, Delaware. Being a man of com- 
manding talents and elevated piety, it was believed 
that, under God, he would save the church and add 
largely to its power. 

The acceptance of the call by Dr. Wilson infused 
a new life among the people. They remodeled the 
interior of the church building. They had it re- 
painted and re-papered, and several pledged them- 
selves to make up all deficiencies. The promised 
salary of Dr. Wilson was $1,500 per annum, but the 
revenue from pews enabled the congregation, at an 
adjourned meeting, held February 24th, 1851, to vote 
an increase to $2,000. 

Everything was promising well, when the congre- 
gation was unexpectedly disturbed with rumors that 
their pastor was called to a neighboring city. These 
rumors quickly were resolved into shape, for it be- 
came know^n that Dr. Wilson had been elected to 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 33 

the chair of Theology in Union Theological Semi- 
nary, New York City. 

At a meeting of the congregation, held January 
13th, 1851, Messrs. E. D. Tarr, B. D. Stewart, W. F. 
Smith, R. M. Foust, S. T. Bodine, C. Moore, and 
J. A. Spencer, were appointed a committee to draft 
resolutions expressive of the views of the congrega- 
tion regarding this matter. These resolutions are 
embodied in the report of the commissioners after- 
wards chosen to represent the church in Presbytery. 

The Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia cited the 
congregation to appear, by their commissioners, at a 
meeting to be held in the church, on Tuesday, Feb- 
ruary 18th, 1851, to show cause why their pastor 
should not be translated to another field of labor. 

In accordance with this citation, the congregation, 
at a meeting held February 13th, 1851, appointed 
Messrs. H. H. Shillingford, E. D. Tarr, S. T. Bodine, 
R. M. Foust, and Henry Davis, commissioners, with 
instructions to oppose, by all suitable and Christian 
means, such translation. 

The work of these commissioners will be best 
understood by giving in full their report as made to 
the congregation, February 24th, 1851 : 

" To the Members of the Church and Congregation of the 
Central Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liberties. 
"Brethren: — The undersigned, commissioners ap- 
pointed to represent this corporation in the Fourth 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, at a meeting of that 

2 



84 HISTORY OF THE 

body, held in this place on the 18th inst., to take 
into consideration the application of the Union Theo- 
logical Seminary of New York, for the services of 
our pastor, who had been elected to the Professorship 
of Theology in that institution, report : 

" That they have attended to the duties of their 
appointment, and are now prepared to make report 
of their proceedings in detail, and surrender up to 
this body the powers thus delegated to them. 

" It must be perfectly understood by all that the 
claims for the services of Dr. J. P. Wilson for this 
Seminary, if admitted, involved the loss of our pastor. 
The question, therefore, was one of the greatest inte- 
rest to this church, and so the commissioners felt 
it. And perhaps it was well that it was so, for the 
magnitude of the subject inspired their zeal, and 
nerved them for the effort ; and, by the grace of God, 
they are happy to say that their efforts have been 
blessed and crowned with success. 

u The commissioners deemed it most advisable to 
place upon paper the views entertained by them, and, 
as they believed, by this congregation, and give a 
consecutive history of the church and its operations 
from the time of the call of Dr. "Wilson to the present 
time. This they believed would greatly facilitate 
the prosecution of the matter by the members of the 
Presbytery, in the understanding of the subject, and 
appreciating the opposition to the removal of Dr. 
Wilson, and such they believe was the effect of that 
statement. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 35 

"Another object had in view was, that their ac- 
tion, whether for good or evil, could be reported to 
and reviewed by you. That paper, with all its im- 
perfections, was submitted to the Presbytery after 
much prayer, and with great anxiety as to your 
sentiments upon this important matter. It is as 
follows : 

To the Members of the Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia. 

"Brethren: — The undersigned have been appointed 
commissioners to your body from the Central Pres- 
byterian Church, N. L., as will appear from the ac- 
tion of the church and congregation, now before you, 
in obedience to a citation from you, in regard to the 
subject of the dismissal of the Rev. James P. Wilson, 
D.D., the present pastor of said church. They there- 
fore deem it expedient to present for your considera- 
tion the following statement of facts and views, so 
that should the Presbytery decide in favor of remov- 
ing him from his present charge, the fearful respon- 
sibility may rest with them, under a full knowledge 
of the facts in the case. 

" In January, 1850, this church had been without a 
stated minister for upwards of ten months. The con- 
gregation had become discouraged and scattered. 
The church edifice was greatly out of repair, and 
needed much, a modernizing hand. To make the 
necessary alterations and repairs, a considerable 
amount of funds were required, and a great rally- 
ing point made necessary ; for our finances were 



36 HISTORY OF THE 

exhausted, our resources cut off, our members compara- 
tively few, and of these the love of many waxed 
faint, and others became entirely discouraged. 

" At this juncture, it was deemed, by those mem- 
bers of the church whose faith took a firm hold upon 
the blessed promises revealed in God's word, to be 
their duty to make a united and persevering effort 
to procure the services of one whose commanding 
talents and elevated piety would not only secure this 
church from impending ruin, but place "Constitu- 
tional Presbyterianism"* in this section of the city 
on a firm basis. 

" Thus believing, and thus aiming, under the lead 
of Divine Providence, they made selection of the 
Rev. J. P. Wilson, D.D., and unanimously elected him 
their pastor. To insure his services, it became neces- 
sary that the church edifice should be altered and 
repaired, involving a cost of upwards of $2,300, and 
that provision should be made for an increase of 
salary after the first year. This was promptly done, 
and a few individuals pledged themselves to the con- 
gregation that they would see the matter fairly 
through, and make up any deficiency in the current 
expenses of the church. "With this understanding, 
the call was made out and accepted. 

" This understanding cost those who pledged them- 
selves for the deficiency the sum rising $2,200, but 
they faithfully kept their engagement ; and as the 

* A title designating the former "New School" branch of the church. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 37 

tend of the fiscal year approached they congratulated 
themselves upon the bright prospects which gilded 
the future. They saw, with pleasure and deep grati- 
tude an increasing congregation, a growing interest 
on the subject of our holy religion, and every indica- 
tion to inspire the belief that the day was not far 
distant when enough could be spared to plant a 
branch from this vine in the adjoining and flourish- 
ing district of Spring Garden, where but one u Con- 
stitutional" church now exists— the Logan Square 
Church. 

" Just at this critical moment came the call from 
the New York Theological Seminary, for the services 
of Dr. Wilson, the effect of which, with all the other 
painful circumstances, has been to distract our people, 
paralyze our efforts, and threaten the dearest interests 
of this branch of the Presbyterian Church in this 
section of the city. 

" We cannot but look upon this call as exceedingly 
untimely and unfortunate, when viewed in connec- 
tion with some of the means used in prosecuting it 
After carefully weighing all the arguments and rea- 
sons presented by our brethren, the committee from 
the Seminary, we cannot bring our minds to the con- 
clusion that the call should be responded to. We 
have looked in vain for the evidence to justify us in 
such a belief. On the contrary, all the indications of 
God's overruling Providence in the matter are, to our 
own hearts and minds, conclusive that this is the field 
<of labor to which our beloved pastor is called. It is 



38 HISTORY OF THE 

true that twenty out of thirty of the Trustees of the 
Seminary joined in the call, and forwarded it through 
a very able and zealous committee,* who, as we think, 
have pressed the claims of the Seminary with undue 
ardor. As illustrative of this point, we state that 
this committee have, as they themselves say, visited 
this city some five different times previous to this, to 
press this call upon our pastor, without the know- 
ledge of the authorities of the church and congrega- 
tion ; in addition to which, the following announce- 
ment appeared in the New York Tribune on the 12th 
inst. : 

" Union Theological Seminary. — Rev. Henry B. 
Smith will be inaugurated as Professor of Ecclesias- 
tical History in this institution, at the Mercer Street 
Church, this evening. Prof. Smith will deliver an 
address and the charge will be delivered by Rev. Dr. 
Cox. The services will commence at 7| o'clock. 
Rev. James P. Wilson, D.D., has signified to the 
Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia, of which he is a 
member, his conviction that it is his duty to accept 
the call from the Seminary to be Professor of The- 
ology. On the accession of Dr. Wilson the Faculty 
will be complete. It is expected that he will enter 
upon his new labors as soon as he can regularly be 
transferred to the institution." 

" This announcement was followed by one of a simi- 
lar, but more conclusive character, by Rev. Samuel 
II. Cox, D.D., one of the committee, from the pulpit 
of the church, and at the meeting referred to in the 

* D*s Cox and SlnmieT, 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH* 39 

above notice. In the New York Observer of the 13th 
inst. the following notice appeared : 

"Union Theological Seminary. — Rev. James P. 
Wilson, D.D., has signified to the Fourth Presbytery 
of Philadelphia of which he is a member, his con- 
viction that it is his duty to accept theoall from the 
Union Theological Seminary of this city, to be Pro- 
fessor of Theology in that institution. It is under- 
stood that neither the Presbytery nor his church, 
strongly attached as they are to their pastor, intends 
to make opposition to his coming. On the accession 
of Dr. Wilson, the Faculty will be complete. It is 
expected that he will soon enter upon his new 
labors." 

" The effect of these announcements on th^ public 
mind may be gathered from the following editorial 
in the North American^ of this city, on the morning 
of the 13th inst.: 

" The Rev. James P. Wilson, D,D., who has for 
some time past had charge of a congregation in this 
city, has accepted a call to become Professor of Theo- 
logy in the Union Theological Seminarv of New 
York." 

" It will be borne in mind that this editorial fol- 
lowed the announcement made in the Tribune, and 
at the Mercer Street Church, in the evening of the 
same day, and came out in the morning of the day 
when our congregational meeting took place in the 
evening. This was so far from a correct statement 
of the fact, that Di\ Wilson deemed it but proper 
and just to authorize the following contradiction. 



40 BISTOM OF TH1 

which appeared in the North American^ of this city, 
on the 14th inst. : 

" The Rev. James P. Wilson, of whom we yester- 
day announced, on the authority of a New York 
paper, that he had accepted the Professorship of 
Theology in the Union Theological Seminary of 
that city, informs us that he has not yet responded 
to the invitation." 

" It would scarcely be prudent for the commis- 
sioners to say that there was any design in the fore- 
going announcement to forestall public sentiment, or 
influence the action of this body. We simply state 
the facts, and leave the conclusions to be drawn by 
the Presbytery. 

" The recent settlement of Dr. Wilson among us, 
under the circumstances named ; the great necessity 
for his valuable labors in this section ; the wide 
field of usefulness here opened, and the great jeopardy 
in which it would place the interests of our congre- 
gation and Constitutional Presbyterianism, as before 
remarked, would, to our minds, indicate anything 
but reasons in favor of his removal at this time. 

" In this connection, it seems but proper to state 
that the location of our church, occupying as it does 
a central position in what may be deemed the city of 
Philadelphia, and in the midst of a population of one 
hundred thousand, and where our connection has but 
two congregations, is a matter not to be overlooked 
in the decision of this question. Dr. Wilson and his 
congregation are happy in the connection, and neither 



TEMPLE PRESBtftERtAN CHURCH. 41 

of them urge, or in fact ask its severance, except the 
former, as a matter of form, to secure the opinion 
and counsel of this Presbytery. This is seen by the 
action of the congregation at their regular annual 
meeting, January 13th, which we here annex, and 
the statement of the views of Dr. Wilson, as made at 
the congregational meeting on the 13th inst., which 
is also annexed : 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONGREGATION. 

Resolved, 1st. That this people have heard, with 
unfeigned regret, of the efforts which are being made 
in a sister city to take from us our beloved pastor, 
and to transfer his valuable labors from this to a dis- 
tant field. 

Resolved, 2d. That, in our opinion, such change 
seems fraught with danger to the best interests of 
this church and the cause of Constitutional Presby- 
terianism in this community, it being well known 
and understood that this portion of the vineyard was 
the ground on which was fought the battle for the 
supremacy of the principles we so dearly love and 
cherish. 

Resolved, 3d. That the eminent abilities and en- 
dearing manners of our pastor, Rev. James P. Wil- 
son, D.D., have engaged our esteem and love, and 
ensured his future usefulness amongst us and our 
children. That his present field of labor is extensive 
and increasing, involving the interests of a wide- 
spread and growing neighborhood, in which we 
earnestly believe the influence of this church is des- 
tined to operate favorably in the highest degree. 

Resolved, 4th. That, in view of all the circum- 
stances, the attachment of this people to their pastor, 



42 HISTORY OF THE 

the prospective ultimate good which may reasonably 
be anticipated from his labors amongst us ; the cer- 
tain injury which will accrue to the interests of this 
church and congregation if he leave us — all induce 
an earnest expression of the hope that he will (God 
giving him wisdom so as best to decide) consent to 
remain with us, and allow our present pastoral rela- 
tions to remain undisturbed. 

Resolved, 5th. That a copy of these resolutions be 
sent to our pastor, signed by the President and Sec- 
retary of the meeting. 

STATEMENT OF DR. WILSON'S VIEWS, AT THE CONGREGA- 
TIONAL MEETING ON THE 13TH INST. : 

" The paper which I gave to the New York com- 
mittee expressed my views entirely, and I still adhere 
to the views therein expressed. Still I consider the 
question entirely open for the decision of the Presby- 
tery, to whom I refer the whole subject ; and if they 
shall decide against my going, I will cheerfully submit 
to their decision, and shall, in submitting to their judg- 
ment, conclude that my views of duty in this respect 
were not well founded, and shall expect to feel per- 
fectly happy in staying where I now am, and experi- 
ence no longing desire to go to New York. I have 
no private reasons to influence me in my views of 
duty. My present relation is all that I could desire. 
My people are kind and united, and if I studied my 
own ease and personal comfort alone, I should decide 
to stay ; as I believe the duties of the station to 
which I am called would be far more laborious, and 
I would necessarily have less sympathy in their dis- 
charge than in my present situation. This I should 
feel, as I have been accustomed to have the sympathy 
of a congregation. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 48 

" I wish it to be distinctly understood that I have 
not decided to go. And if any one has made such 
an assertion; he has done it without my authority, 
and upon his own responsibility, Nor have I decided 
to stay. And if any one has so asserted, it was un- 
authorized by me. I shall be governed by the action 
of Presbytery, and surrender my views of duty to 
their judgment. 

" Should the Presbytery refuse to decide the ques- 
tion, or throw it back for my decision, I shall conceive 
it my duty to go. Should they decide in favor of my 
dismissal, I shall go ; but should they decide against 
my dismissal, I shall not go, and shall, as I said before, 
be perfectly cheerful and happy in an acquiescence 
in their decision." 

" It is due to Dr. Wilson, and proper to state, that 
the above views were given orally at the meeting, 
and written out by the commissioners, as they recol- 
lected and understood them, and are believed to be 
substantially correct. 

" The following is the paper which was in the hands 
of and read by Dr. Wilson himself, at the former 
meeting of this body, in this place, and referred to by 
him in his statement to the congregation on the 13th 
inst. : 

" This call has been before my mind for several 
weeks. I have considered it in extcnso, on all sides, and 
religiously, with a sincere desire, as far as I know 
myself, to ascertain and do the will of God. My 
present impressions are, on the whole, favorable to 
the idea that it is my duty to accept it ; and unless 
some moral obstacle shall arise, not now anticipated. 



44 HISTORY OF Tfil 

either from the Presbytery or from my congregation^ 
both of whom I kindly and deeply consider in the 
question, I shall probably see it my duty to respond 
to said call an answer in the affirmative. And un* 
less Presbytery interpose some obstacle of the above 
sort, it now seems my duty so to respond to it." 

" It will be seen by the statement of Dr. Wilson's 
views, that the question is entirely open for the ac- 
tion of Presbytery, and they must meet it» A refusal 
on their part to act, is a virtual decision in favor of 
his dismissal, as in that case he expressly says he 
shall conceive it his duty to go. But if they decide 
it not to be his duty to accept the invitation, he will 
cheerfully acquiesce in their opinion and remain. So 
the question must be fairly met by this body, and we 
trust it will be so met, and promptly decided. 

"We have now made a plain and unvarnished 
statement of facts, and if the Presbytery can, under 
all the circumstances of the case, sever a connection 
so happy in all points of view, but so fraught with 
evil if broken up, theirs must be the responsibility ; 
and we shall have the abiding consolation, in all 
after time, in the review, that we did what we 
could to avert the direful consequences should they 
follow. 

H. H. Shillingford, ' 

Elihij IX Tarr, 

Robert M. Foust, Commissioners. 

Samuel T> Bodine, 

He^ry I) AVIS, 

^EBRUAKY 15, 1851. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 45 

The Presbytery having heard all the parties in the 
case, refused to dismiss Dr. Wilson. This action 
gave very great and general satisfaction to the 
church. 

A few weeks after this, Dr. Wilson addressed a 
letter to the Session and Board of Trustees of the 
church, expressing his conviction that he ought to 
accept the call to New York. 

A congregational meeting was called on April 1st, 
1851, when the letter was read, and is as follows : 

Philadelphia, March 12, 185 L 

Dear Brethren : — I received a communication on 
the first of this month, informing me of the formal 
reiterations of the call of the Directors of the New 
York Theological Seminary, which was issued by 
the Fourth Presbytery at their meeting on the 18th 
ult. 

This second urgent invitation, so soon after the 
rejection of the first, and with equal unanimity, 
seems to leave me no longer any alternative but to 
accept at once, and ask you to unite with me in a 
request to the congregation for their consent to a dis- 
solution of the pastoral relation. 

My convictions of duty from the first have been 
plain and clear. The only difficulty in the way has 
beeu the probable injury of the congregation, and 
considerations of their welfare, and the general in- 
terests of religion, and of the church in this com- 
munity. 

Impressed, and almost overwhelmed, with these 
considerations, and deeply affected with the constant 
manifestations of the kindness and affectionate attach- 
ment of the people of my charge, I long hesitated 



46 HISTORY OF THE 

and strove against my convictions, and felt that I 
could not make up my mind to break away and sun- 
der a tie so recently formed. 

I wished to consult the feelings of my brethren in 
the Presbytery, and felt willing to submit my con- 
victions to their united judgment, and let the matter 
rest ultimately on their decision. A meeting of 
the Presbytery was accordingly held, and a result 
obtained. I cheerfully acquiesced in this issue, al- 
though, from the whole discussion before the Pres- 
bytery, my previous convictions were only deepened 
as to the path which Providence seemed clearly to 
point out. I felt, however, entirely satisfied, and 
sincerely hoped that the protracted difficulty was at 
an end. 

But the call is now repeated with increased ear- 
nestness, and comes to me with the power and claim 
of a direct summons from the Head of the Church, 
and I know not how to resist it any longer. I now 
feel that I must go, and I ask you to resist no more, 
but cheerfully, and with faith in God, resign your 
opposition, and unite with me in acting according to 
my clear convictions of duty. 

I am truly thankful that, from the nature and cir- 
circumstances of the post which I am solicited to 
accept, there is no possibility of any motive inter- 
fering to lead my mind to an improper decision. 

Were I to consult my interest, both in regard to 
pecuniary matters, or personal ease and comfort, I 
should remain where I am. There is no temptation, 
therefore, for me to deceive myself, or impose on my 
own judgment in coming to a right decision. 

If I know myself, in this whole transaction, my 
single and only aim has been to do my duty to God, 
and to obey my conscience. I must ask you, then, 
to let me gro. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 47 

I repeat, what I have always said, and must ever 
say, that no one could be more pleasantly situated 
in any field of labor, or meet with more facilities and 
encouragements, and warm-hearted co-operation, in 
the performance of his work, amongst any people, 
than I have experienced amongst you. Your kind- 
ness and affection has been constant, and far better 
than I have deserved ; and nothing less than a con- 
viction of responsibility, that I cannot resist or evade, 
compels me to come before you and ask your acqui- 
escence in my request for a dissolution of the pastoral 
relation. 

May God guide and direct your judgment, and 
give you faith to acquiesce in what seems to be evi- 
dent indications of his will. 

(Signed) James P. Wilson, Pastor. 

After the reading of this letter, the congregation 
adopted the following preamble and resolutions : 

Whereas, a communication has been presented by 
the Session, from our pastor, Rev. J. P. Wilson, D.D., 
in which he states that the call from New York 
Theological Seminary has been renewed, and is pressed 
with renewed zeal, and that he feels it to be his duty, 
and it is his intention, to accept the call, and asks us 
to unite with him in the application to Presbytery, 
for a dissolution of the present relations ; therefore, 

Resolved, 1st. That we have looked in vain for any 
new light upon this subject, calculated to change the 
views we held, and presented to Presbytery at a 
former meeting. We think the case stands now 
precisely as it stood then ; for, if we are correctly in- 
formed, there has not even been a new election by 
the Trustees of the Seminary ; and we must be per- 
mitted to say, that we feel no little surprise and sor- 



48 HISTORY OF THE 

row that this question should be so soon again 
agitated ; for we feel that the actiou of Presbytery, 
already had upon this subject, was to be considered a 
final settlement of the question. And so believing, 
this congregation have laid their plans accordingly, 
and with the intention of promoting both the useful- 
ness and comfort of our pastor. 

Resolved, 2d. That as we have never desired a 
separation, we cannot, therefore, unite with our pas- 
tor in an application to Presbytery for a dissolution 
of the pastoral relation now existing. 

Resolved, 3d. That as Dr. Wilson has made up 4iis 
mind to insist upon a dissolution of his pastoral rela- 
tions with this church, we deem it inexpedient to 
oppose his wishes. 

Resolved, 4th. That the elder who may represent 
this church in meeting of Presbytery, be requested to 
present the foregoing resolutions and statement to 
Presbytery. 

The application of Dr. Wilson for a dissolution of 
his pastoral relation to this church, was renewed at 
the spring meeting of Presbytery, held April 8th, 
1851, when it was granted. The pulpit was declared 
vacant May 18th, 1851. 

During the pastorate of Dr. Wilson, there were 
added to this church forty persons. 




^/*__j£u£/^* / 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 49 

VL 

HEV. GEORGE DUFFIELD, JR., THE FIFTH PASTOR.* 

The church being again without a pastor, began 
earnestly to look about for one who, it was thought, 
would not only excite confidence in the present mem- 
bership, but add largely to its numbers and efficiency. 
Mr. Isaac Ashmead, one of the elders, suggested that, 
according to what he had learned, Rev. George Duf- 
field, Jr., was such a person as the church needed. 

Accordingly, Messrs. Ashmead, B. D. Stewart and 
Wm. Sanderson, visited Bloomfield, N". J., where 
Mr, Duffield was then stationed as a pastor. This com- 
mittee remained over the Sabbath at that place, and 
attended the church where Mr. Duffield was officia- 
ting. On their return they gave such an account of 
Mr. Duffield, as led the Session of the church to 
extend an invitation to him to come and occupy 
their pulpit for a Sabbath, and administer the com- 
munion. This invitation was extended through Rev. 
Dr. Malin. At the same time, Mr. J. A. Spencer, on 
behalf of the congregation wrote, inquiring of Mr. 



* Rev. George Duffield, Jr , was born in Carlisle, Pa. He graduated at Yale 
College in 1837, when he entered Union Theological Seminary, N. Y., where he 
graduated in the year 1840. His licensure and ordination took place about the 
same time He became pastor of a new church in Brooklyn, L. I., where he 
remained about seven years, when he went to Bloomfield, N. J., where he con- 
tinued until (ailed to this church Since leaving here he has been pastor of the 
churches at Adrian, Mich., Galesburg, 111., and Saginaw City, Mich. The latte- 
charge he has been compelled to resign, owing to sickness. 



50 HISTORY OF THE 

Duffield if he would entertain a call from this church* 
In reply, Dr. Mai in received the following letter: 

Bloomfield, Nov* Jfth, 1851. 

My Dear Brother :— Yours of the 31st ult. f 
containing a request of the elders of the Central 
Presbyterian Church, N. L., to visit them next Sab* 
bath and administer the communion, came duly to 
hand, and would have been answered before but for 
a distressing accident that has confined me constantly 
to the bed-side of my little son * * • ♦ In such 
circumstances you will readily perceive that I cannot 
be with the church next Sabbath. For this they are 
probably prepared by a letter, which I wrote to Mr* 
J. A. Spencer last week. 

The fact, my dear brother, is simply this : From 
the first time this subject was fairly presented to 
my mind, I have endeavored carefully to watch the 
indication of God's providence in reference to it. 
Grod, I trust, has given me many seals of my ministry 
here, and certainly the field is a very important 
one. I have no reason to leave, no desire to leave, 
unless I can do so for one still larger .and more impor- 
tant. I do not want to put myself in any place. 
Wherever the Great Head of the Church puts me, I 
trust I am willing to live, and I hope willing to die 
also. 

Meanwhile, that my relations here may not be 
unpleasantly affected, I have determined to act with 
the full understanding and advice of the members 
of my Session. If I should receive a call, they are 
willing that I should consider it ; willing that I 
should go to Philadelphia and preach there ; willing 
even that I should go, if the path of duty is made 
plain before me. But, they are not willing I should 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 51 

invite a call, or in any way compromise myself before- 
hand. With kind regards, &c, 

(Signed) George Duffield, Jr, 

Extract of a letter to Mr. X A. Spencer. 

Bloomfield, K J., Oct 29th., 185 L 

As to the subject of your letter, I can only say, that 
-the principle on which I wish to act, is, to judge of 
nothing before the time. "He that judgeth a 
matter before he heareth it," you know, " it shall be 
a shame unto him," I have no will, or wish in the 
premises, but simply to know my duty. If you should 
extend a call to me, and after spending a Sabbath 
with you, the congregation should be inclined unani- 
mously to ratify it, I should feel it necessary to give 
the subject a very solemn, candid, and prayerful 
consideration. 

Further than this, I have nothing to say at pre- 
sent ; and this I am willing all should know, who 
are in any way interested in the matter. 

(Signed) Geo. Duffield, Jr* 

These communications from Mr. Duffield, were read 
at a meeting of the congregation, held Nov. 12th, 
1851 ; whereupon, the people recommended the Ses- 
sion to eall a congregational meeting, on Monday eve- 
ning, Nov. 17th, for the election of a pastor. This 
meeting was duly called, and with entire unanim- 
ity, Rev. Geo. Duffield, Jr., was elected pastor, and 
Messrs. S. T. Bodine, R. M. Foust and J. A Spencer, 
were appointed commissioners to prosecute the call. 

After the call had been presented, Mr. Duffield 
visited this church, and preached for the people. 



52 HISTORY OF THE 

Again the congregation was called together, and on 
Dec. 10th, 1851, 

Besolved, That having had an opportunity to see 
and here Rev. Geo. Duffield, Jr., do hereby ratify 
and confirm their action of a former meeting, extend- 
ing a call to him to become their pastor. 

Mr. Duffield formally signified his acceptance of 
the call, Dec. 14th, 1851. Shortly after this, the 
pastor elect began his labors amongst the people, but 
was not regularly installed until May 13th, 1852. 

The pastor's salary in the call was fixed at $1500 
per annum ; the pews at that time yielding an annual 
revenue of $2200. 

The church received their new pastor gladly ; and 
the records show that with much cordiality and 
mutual zeal, pastor and people joined hands in the 
work of the church. 

The people had felt the unexpected removal of Dr. 
Wilson from among them. Many had become dis- 
heartened and left ; but yet, there was at the time of 
Mr. Duffield's installation, a good congregation, and 
many hopeful indications for the future. 

An early effort was put forth to liquidate the 
entire debt of the church. Appeals were made to 
the people, and contributions solicited ; these, how- 
ever, terminated quite short of success. 

The tide of population which had before this com- 
menced, continued to move westward. This affected 
very materially the pew rentals, and compelled the 
trustees to adopt other means to increase the revenue 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 53 

of the church. Needed alterations in the church 
property were paid for by voluntary subscription. 
All expenses where it was possible were cut down. 

The foreclosure of a mortgage of $6000, held by 
an outside party, was threatened ; but this was pre- 
vented by persons inside of the church purchasing 
it. The constant removal of members to other parts 
of the city, and their connecting themselves with 
other churches nearer their new homes, was the 
occasion of much discouragement. 

It became the conviction of many, that the church 
could no longer exist in the neighborhood. An 
impression obtained in the community that the con- 
gregation was ready to sell the property. A com- 
munication was received Jan. 10th, 1853, from the 
Board of Trustees of the Union Presbyterian Church 
in the Northern Liberties, stating they had understood 
the church was for sale, and asking the terms and 
time of sale. (This Union Presbyterian Church 
was organized in October, 1852, under the pastoral 
care of Rev. Mr. Durnett. Those constituting it 
were a colony from the First Presbyterian Church, 
N. L. The congregation worshiped for a time in 
the Old Lecture Room in Coates street, above Second ; 
afterwards in a hall at the S. E. corner of Ninth and 
Spring Garden streets. Not making the progress 
hoped for, the church was soon disbanded.) 

Although the congregation voted that the pro- 
perty was not for sale, yet the communication shows 
the opinion which was current in the community. 



54 HISTORY OF THE 

From this time, as the records show, the subject 
of removal became a topic for frequent discussion in 
the meetings of Session, in the meetings of the Board 
of Trustees, and in the meetings of the congregation. 
At several of these meetings we find the subject 
introduced, as a matter for general conversation ; at 
others, it is presented in what were demominated 
" test resolutions." 

At a special meeting of the congregation, held 
June 18th, 1855, the subject was brought directly 
before the people by the following resolution : 

Resolved. That we deem it expedient to sell this 
church, with a view of removing to another location* 

Pending this question, a statement was made by 
a committee, appointed at a joint meeting of the 
Session and the Trustees ; accompanying this, was the 
following written statement from the pastor : 

" Since the announcement ot this meeting last 
Sabbath, it has occurred to me, that as a statement 
was about to be presented by the Session and Trus- 
tees to the congregation, it might be equally appro- 
priate on my part to make a similar statement, should 
it be called for, as your pastor. By all whom it 
may concern, either now or hereafter, I would wish 
it distinctly to be understood : 

1st. That my relations to the Trustees and Session 
of the church, up to the present time, have been 
uniformly cordial and satisfactory. 

2d. That the inception of this movement did not 
originate with me, but with the Trustees and Session. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 55 

3d. That it did hot originate indirectly with me, 
by the pressure of any pecuniary claims. 

4th. That according to the best judgement I am 
able to form in the premises, the circumstances of 
the case are such as to warrant the step that has 
been taken in laying them before the congregation. 

And now that the church itself, alike in its officers 
and members, may be relieved as far as possible from 
any embarrassment in the matter, I beg leave to 
notice, 

1st. Some of the more obvious contingencies that 
may arise. 

2d. The relations I am willing to sustain to each 
of these as an individual. 

The possible contingencies are mainly three. 

1st. To change the location of the church in such 
a manner, as to preserve the existing congregation 
still unbroken, and so draw in new strength without 
diminishing the old. 

2d. Amicably to divide, and allow each portion of 
the church as thus divided, to take such a course as 
they think proper. 

3d. In case these arrangements should fail, to re- 
main where we are. 

The relations which I am willing to sustain to 
these several plans are as follows : 

1st. Hereby to tender my resignation at the out- 
set, if by so doing the ultimate establishment of the 
church can be secured. 

2d. To subscribe to the full amount of my ability 
for the erection of another edifice. 

3d. Provided a sufficient sum can first be secured 
to warrant such an effort, to do all that I can to ob- 
tain any further assistance that may be needed from 
the church at large. 

4th. In all other respects I shall be mainly guided. 



56 HISTORY OF THE 

I trust, by that which will best promote the tempo- 
ral and spiritual welfare of a church which has 
already done much for the cause of Christ in this 
part of the city, and which, I sincerely hope, is des- 
tined yet to do a great deal more. 

Heavily as the burden has pressed upon many of 
you, you have been abundantly rewarded for it, both 
in your own souls and in your families. 

If you have sowed temporal things, you have 
reaped spiritual, and your labor has not been in vain 
in the Lord. 

Believing that you will fully appreciate the mo- 
tives that have prompted me to this communication, 
I remain, with sincere and unabated affection, 

(Signed) Geo. Duffield, Jr., Pastor. 

After hearing the views of the pastor, the Session, 
and the Trustees, the congregation appointed from 
among their own number (other than members of the 
Session or Board of Trustees) seven persons as a com- 
mittee to take the subject into consideration, and 
report at a subsequent meeting. 

On the 25th of June, 1855, this committee made 
their report. After enumerating all the difficulties 
in the way of remaining in their present location, or 
removing to another, they close their report with the 
following : 

Resolved, That no corporation, church or business 
enterprise can succeed whose expenses excel its in- 
come. 

Resolved, That we deem it expedient to dispose of 
this church property to some evangelical denomina- 
tion, with a view to remove to another location. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 57 

After considerable discussion on the second resolu- 
tion, the whole matter was laid over to an adjourned 
meeting, held July 9th, 1855, when the resolution 
*was further discussed, amended, and passed in the 
simple form in which, on June 18th, Mr. Henry 
Davis had presented it, namely: 

Resolved, That we deem it expedient to sell this 
church, in view of removing to another location. 

Although the congregation did not commit them- 
selves, by resolution, to any specified locality, it may 
be interesting to know that the sentiment expressed 
and recorded at that time was that the location 
should be between Sixth and Eighth, and Green and 
Poplar streets. Believing that these streets would 
mark the boundaries, and anticipating some future 
action of the congregation, Mr. B. D. Stewart, one of 
the elders of the church (some time prior to the 
occurrences of which we now speak), secured the 
control of a lot on the east side of Seventh street, 
and north of Brown street, the one now occupied by 
the Second Reformed Church. This control he held 
for more than two years, but seeing no active steps 
taken for removal, and being unsupported by others 
in the congregation, he allowed it to pass into the 
hands of those who now hold it. 

The passage of the resolution to sell and remove, 
if it did no more at the time, kept the matter from 
further agitation in the church ; for we look in vain 
through the records of years to find even a reference 
to the subject. 



58 



HISTORY OF THE 



This was not because of any increase in the pros- 
perity of the church, for, numerically and financially, 
it appears from the several reports made to the con- 
gregation, it was year after year growing weaker. 
To keep it in existence, we find various means 
adopted. Sinking funds were created. The people 
were called upon, time and again, for extra contribu- 
tions. The ladies undertook to make good the pas- 
tor's salary. With all these efforts, the deficiencies 
became alarming. We find in the report given at a 
meeting held November 19th, 1860, that the annual 
receipts amounted to but $1,200, while the annual 
indebtedness was $2,400. 

The pastor sympathized fully with the people in 
their embarrassments, and acceded to their desires, 
by accepting a salary of $1,000 per annum. 

All these efforts, however, were too feeble to resist 
the logic of circumstances. People possessed with 
means were continually removing to the northern 
and western sections of the city. 

Dismissions and commendations to other churches 
were constantly being asked for, and given to the 
members. The impression gained ground that the 
days of the church were numbered. In the Presby- 
tery, in the church, and in the community, its 
existence much longer was despaired of. Some there 
were who proposed to disband ; but at a meeting of 
the congregation, held November 12th, 1860, more 
from a desire to continue than an assurance that con- 
tinuance was possible, it was 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 59 

Resolved, That this congregation disclaim all inten- 
tion of disbanding as a church. 

With a will the remnant of this Israel worked to- 
gether, and God be praised for the resolute hearts he 
gave them to hold together, when all their efforts 
seemed so hopeless. 

It is pleasing to turn from a dark to a bright pic 
ture. This we do when we turn from the temporal 
to the spiritual affairs of the church. These years of 
toil and struggle were marked with God's presence 
in the sanctuary. Mr. Duffield was earnest in the 
preaching of the gospel. That preaching was not in 
vain. Turning from the business records of the 
Board of Trustees and congregation, to the Sessional 
records of the church, we find how sinners converted 
were being added regularly to the church. 

The " Great Revival " which spread over so many 
parts of our country during the winter of 1857 and 
the spring of 1858, was felt very powerfully by this 
church. The members of the church were greatly 
quickened in their religious feelings. Meetings were 
appointed for every night in the week, and for several 
consecutive weeks these meetings continued with un- 
abated interest. Many of the members of the church 
superintended and sustained religious services in fire 
engine houses, and other places where opportunity 
offered. So general and so controlling was the influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit, that all the people were 
aroused to work. The full extent of this work we 
cannot tell ; but this church, as a result, rejoiced in 



60 HISTORY OF THE 

receiving into its membership, on profession of faith, 
71 persons. 

Mr. Duffield continued to minister to this people 
until June 19th, 1861. At that time, agreeably tm 
notice given from the pulpit on the preceding Sab- 
bath, a congregational meeting was held, and the 
following communication from the pastor was read: 

To the Central Presbyterian Church, N. L., Phila. 

Dear Brethren: — For reasons already fully as- 
signed, entirely satisfactory, I trust, to the brethren, 
and which it is unnecessary now to repeat, I here- 
with respectfully tender my resignation as the pastor 
of the Central Presbyterian Church, N. L. Agree- 
ably to the "Form of Government," Chapter XVII, 
I would also request the congregation to appear, by 
their commissioners, at the next meeting of the 
Fourth Presbytery, to show cause, if any they have, 
why the Presbytery should not accept said resig- 
nation. 

Yours, in the fellowship of the gospel, 

George Duffield, Jr. 

Philadelphia, June 16, 1861. 

The congregation acceded to the request of their 
pastor, and appointed Messrs. Wm. Sanderson and 
Geo. C. Bower a committee to represent them in 
Presbytery. 

At the same time they appointed a committee to 
draft resolutions expressive of the views of the people 
with regard to their pastor. This committee reported 
the following: 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 61 

Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of our 
pastor, the Rev. George Duffield, Jr., we take the op- 
portunity to bear witness to his unwearied labors for 
our spiritual welfare, his Christian deportment, and 
disinterested self-devotion to the cause of religion 
and morality in our midst for the past nine years ; 
and we hope that wherever, in the providence of 
God, he may be called to labor, that the blessing of 
Heaven may attend his efforts. 

This resolution was adopted, and a copy sent to 
Mr. Duffield. 

At a meeting of the Fourth Presbytery, held on 
the 27th of June, 1861, the dissolution of the pastoral 
relation between Mr. Duffield and this people was 
formally consummated. 

During the nine years of Mr. Duffield's labors in 
this church, there were added to its communion 237 
persons. 

VII. 

THE REV. JAMES Y. MITCHELL, THE SIXTH PASTOR.* 

The church again without a pastor, depended upon 
such supplies as could be secured. The inconvenience 

* Mr. Mitchell was born in this city. From Harrison Grammar School, he 
was admitted into the High School, where he was a student for about three 
years. Upon leaving the High School, he entered the Academy at Newark, 
Del., where he was prepared for college. After spending two vears in Delaware 
College, he entered Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., Where he graduated 
July 26th, 1854. In the fall of the same year, he entered Princeton Theological 
Seminary, and continued there until graduation, May 12th, 1857. He was licensed 
to preach the gospel by the Philadelphia Presbytery in April, 1857. While in 
the Seminary he received and accepted a call from the Presbvterian Church 
at Phillipsburg, N. J., and on July 14th, 1857, was ordained, and installed pastor 
of the same by Newton Presbytery. He continued with his first church until 
January, 18ft2. 



b2 HISTORY OF THE 

and difficulty attendant upon securing different 
ministers every week, induced the Session to arrange 
for the supply of their pulpit for a longer period by 
the same person. This arrangement after the lapse 
of a few months, did not give very general satisfac- 
tion, and the pulpit was again opened for other 
ministers to be heard. 

It was in the month of February, 1862, that the 
Session invited Rev. James Y. Mitchell to preach for 
them. Mr. Mitchell at that time was making his 
home with his parents in the city. Having resigned 
the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church at 
Phillipsburg, ST. J., on the first Sabbath in January, 
1862, he was now desirous of enjoying a season of rest 
from pastoral duties. Upon coming to the city, he 
was invited to preach in the First Presbyterian 
Church, N. L. In this Church he had been baptized 
in infancy, and in this church he had continued until 
he left home to pursue his studies for the ministry. 
The pastor of the First Church, N". L., being ill at 
the time, Mr. Mitchell concluded to take his place 
in the pulpit. It was whilst temporarily supplying 
this pulpit that several members of the Central N. 
L. Church, some of whom were formerly schoolmates 
and associates with Mr. Mitchell, heard him, and to 
them is due the invitation which he soon received to 
occupy their pulpit. 

Beginning in February, 1862, he preached, upon 
weekly invitations, almost without interruption until 
the month of May, when he was absent for several 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 63 

weeks as a commissioner from the Presbytery of 
Newton to the General Assembly, then sitting at 
Columbus, Ohio. Upon his return, however, the 
invitations were renewed, and his preaching con- 
tinued. 

During these months he was frequently spoken to 
about becoming the pastor of this church. At that 
time, .he freely stated his misgivings about settling 
in the city. He feared that coming to his native 
place, laboring under the shadow of his father's 
house, having in his congregation, and among the 
office bearers of his church, those who knew him in 
the thoughtlessness of his youth, would impair his 
efficiency as a minister of the gospel. But there 
were dreadful misgivings about the church itself. 
There were less than one hundred reliable names upon 
the church register ; a debt amounting to $7500 still 
rested against the property ; the pew rents barely 
yielded $1000 ; and there was little encouragement 
to gather a congregation from the surrounding 
German community. While investigating the con- 
dition of things, daily was mention made of the 
hopelessness of the enterprise. In the Pastor's 
Association, in the Presbytery, in the surrounding 
churches and community, the church was spoken of 
as having a bare existence, but not a life ; and promi- 
nent ministers were not slow to say, " it would be 
folly for the congregation to call another pastor." 

Over against these misgivings, however, was the 
fact, that, though small in numbers, the congregation 



64 HISTORY OF THE 

had determination, courage, and much prayer. The 
people were earnest, faithful and ready to make 
sacrifices ; and the cordiality with w T hich Mr. 
Mitchell's companions of other days greeted him, 
gave assurance that the friendships, the allowances, 
and the sympathies of early days, might be carried into 
manhood life ; that they who have schooled together, 
and played together, when lads, could work together, 
pray together, and be taught together in the house 
of God. 

Encouraged in the matter, the congregation at a 
a meeting duly called on June 11th, 1862, elected 
Rev. James Y. Mitchell their pastor, at a salary of 
$1000 per annum, and Messrs. Wm. Sanderson and 
Robert M. Foust were appointed a committee to 
prosecute the call before Presbytery. 

Upon the reception of the call, Mr. Mitchell 
addressed the following letter to the Board of Trus- 
tees, which they in turn presented to the congrega- 
tion, at a meeting held July 16th, 1862. 

Philadelphia, July 5th, 1862. 

Brethren. — Through you I desire to signify to the 
congregation of the Central Presbyterian Church, N". 
L., my acceptance of the call to become their pastor. 
"Whatever objections may have suggested themselves 
to my mind at first, I believe have been fully 
removed by the following information: 

1st. The debt on your church edifice is in such 
hands as to warrant the belief that it will give you 
no present trouble, and also that the said debt will 
speedily be removed altogether. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 

2d, Your congregation, though small compared 
with what it once was, is a united congregation, and 
I can rely on this unity in my endeavors to build up 
your enterprise. 

For our mutual understanding, I request at the 
outset, from you, an assent to the following proposi- 
tions : 

1st. Punctual payment of each quarter's salary. 

2d. An increase of salary at such time when 
the revenue of the church from pew rents will 
justify it. 

3d. A vacation of four weeks during the summer 
season of each year. 

4th. A cordial co-operation with me in the work 
of building up the Redeemer's kingdom. 

It is becoming in me to state that I enter upon 
the work with fear and trembling, and nothing for- 
tifies me in accepting your call but the assurance 
that Gi-od can bring strength out of weakness. 

I have sought for light, by means of consultation, 
meditation and prayer ; and directed, as I trust I 
have been, by the Blessed Spirit, may my ming- 
ling with you hereafter, as your pastor, be blessed 
to us all. 

Desirous of hearing from you with regard to my 
propositions, I am, 

Your brother in Christ, 

(Signed) Jas. Y. Mitchell. 

The congregation having assented to the proposi- 
tions contained in the above letter, Mr. Mitchell 
began his labors at once. 

It was not, however, until October of the same 
year that he made application for and received his 



66 HISTORY OF THE 

letter of dismission from Newton Presbytery. This 
letter was presented to the Fourth Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, October 15th, 1862, and Mr. Mitchell's 
name was ordered to be enrolled as a member of 
said Presbytery. 

On October 26th, 1862, he was installed as pastor 
of this church. Notwithstanding a heavy rain kept 
many away, quite a large audience gathered to 
witness the installation, and encourage, by their 
presence, the efforts of the people to continue the 
worship of God where in other days he had so sig- 
nally blessed them. 

The report which was read at the first annual 
meeting of the congregation succeeding the installa- 
tion, speaks very encouragingly of the condition of 
things in the church at that time. The congrega- 
tions were considerably larger, while the pew rentals 
had increased, and the prospects generally were more 
encouraging. 

At this time it was thought that the good of the 
church might be promoted by fostering a more socia- 
ble feeling among the members. To this end, meet- 
ings were held every Tuesday evening, at the houses 
of ths members. Beneficial results accrued from 
these meetings. The people became better acquainted 
with each other; the interests of the church were 
kept continually before them, and weekly collections 
were voluntarily made to supplement the regular 
revenues of the church. 

Notwithstanding the efforts which were being 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 67 

made, the deficiencies in the receipts were not met ; 
and, by a vote of the congregation, a committee was 
appointed to canvass it, in order to procure such sub- 
scriptions as the members were willing to give, in 
addition to what they were already contributing. 
This was the beginning of what was known as the 
" Quarterly Subscriptions." Due notice was given 
from the pulpit of the time these subscriptions were 
to be paid, and the congregation became as familiar 
with the notice of their payment being due, as they 
were with the quarterly announcement of " the pew 
committee being in attendance to receive pew rents 
now due ; also, to rent pews and sittings." 

" Quarterly Subscriptions" became a fixed fact 
during the continuance of the congregation in the 
u Old Church." It became evident that the debt of 
$7,500 against the property should, if possible, be at 
once liquidated. To this end the attention of the 
people was early called. The pastor was requested 
to see the mortgage holders, and learn whether they 
would be willing to make any abatement of their 
claims. Some were quite ready so to do at once. 
Others had to be more frequently seem After a 
time they all gave encouragement by donating the 
back interest, and relinquishing, in whole or part, 
the principal. Finding also a willingness on the 
part of many outside of the church to contribute 
towards the liquidation of the entire indebtedness, 
a meeting of the congregation was informally called, 
on Wednesday evening, April 8th, 1863. At this 



68 HISTORY OF THE 

meeting, the people, upon learning of the liberality of 
the creditors, and of others in the community, deter- 
mined to go to work and see what they could do as 
individuals. Many took subscription books to go 
among their friends ; many subscribed themselves ; 
and so resolute were they in the matter, that the 
week following the Board of Trustees, at an ad- 
journed meeting, appointed a committee to receive 
moneys brought in by the people, and to attend to 
the paying off the debt. The whole indebtedness 
was virtually provided for in two weeks, and in one 
month from the commencement of the effort the 
claims against the church were satisfied. 

The debt which had oppressed the people from the 
beginning of the enterprise was removed, and the 
committee of the Board found that they had received 
$226.45 more than was required. 

This work was the work of a people interested, deter- 
mined, and, laboring in unity. 

Many were the thanksgivings offered unto God 
for this timely relief, and many were the expressions 
of gratitude, not only because of the work done, but 
because also of the manner in which it was done. 

All had done what they could. 

The people united in an expression of good-will 
and friendship towards their pastor, and on the 24th 
of May, 1863, gave him, as a token of their kindly 
feelings, a beautiful gold watch, suitably engraved f 
to perpetuate the memories of those glad days. 

The congregation had not yet ceased to believe 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 69 

that at an early date, necessity would compel them to 
change the location of the church. God seemed to 
be arranging for the removal. Now that the debt 
was removed, the whole subject was simplified. 

The trustees turned their attention to getting a 
full possession of all the pews in the church. It was 
held that a clear title to the sale of the property 
could not be given, unless those owning pews yielded 
their claims. A committee of the Board was ap- 
pointed to arrange this matter. Persons holding 
"pew deeds" were seen, and soon it was reported 
that all the deeds were either in the hands of the 
Board, or the owners were ready cheerfully and fully 
to return them to the Board. 

Now the sale of the church property began to be 
regularly talked about. The congregation at a 
meeting held January 9th., 1865, empowered the 
Board of Trustees to sell the property ; they also 
appointed a committee to obtain a suitable site for a 
new edifice, together with a committee to receive 
contributions for a new church. The feeling pre- 
vailed that, in locating elsewhere, the wants of the 
congregation would be best met by going North 
from Poplar street, and remaining East of Ninth 
street. Hence, we find reported for consideration, 
a lot on Franklin street and South of Girard Ave- 
nue. Tins lot was abandoned and another con- 
sidered at the North-east corner of Eighth street and 
Girard Avenue. 

It was in contemplation at this time, to build a 



70 HISTrofcY OF THE 

" Chapel " to answer all present purposes, and wait 
until some future time for the erection of the main 
building. The last named lot, containing 90 feet 
front on Girard avenue, and 140 feet front on Eighth 
street, seemed to answer the purposes, and met the 
views of the congregation. The " committee on 
Bite," held the refusal of it for a few weeks at $7.00 
per foot. During that time the consent of the con- 
gregation was given to the purchase of it, and on 
March 13th, 1865, Messrs. ¥m. Sanderson, ¥m. R. 
Stewart, and Abner Lincoln, were appointed " a 
committee to have erected thereon a suitable build- 
nig." 

When the committee on the purchase of the lot went 
to the owner to close the bargain, he demanded 
fifty cents more per foot than he had previously . 
asked ; thus breaking his word and disgusting the 
committee. 

This fact occasioned a rest in the agitation of 
building immediately. All committees appointed 
with this in view ceased their work, and before the 
subject was again renewed, by common consent 
ceased to exist. 

The attention of many of the congregation was 
now turned to the lot at the North-east corner of 
Franklin and Thompson streets. At that time, 
there stood on the corner a small, old fashioned and 
badly dilapitated frame dwelling-house. The bal- 
ance of the lot was used for the storage of second- 
hand lumber. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 71 

The owner was seen about it several times, but did 
not feel disposed to sell, because he felt that the re- 
quirements of his business demanded him to hold it. 
The eyes of the congregation were on it, however, 
and it seemed as though they could not look else- 
where. 

In the meantime, the church building was held for 
sale ; but no active steps were taken to hasten it. 

The people thought more of what was required in 
their present position, than of worrying about 
another. The great need was to hold together those 
already in the church, and this, under God, was 
satisfactorily successful. 

At a congregational meeting held January 14th, 
1867, the Pastor's salary was increased $500 per 
annum. Although this was the first recorded addi- 
tion to what was promised him at the beginning, it 
is to be remembered that regularly, notwithstanding 
the struggles and sacrifices of the people, they had, 
up till that time, as they have from that time to the 
present, annually remembered him with money 
gifts, varying from $250 to $500. 

From the spring of 1865, to that of 1867, little or 
no mention is made of selling the church property. 
In the latter year, we find the matter again agitated 
in the Board of Trustees, and a new committee on 
sale appointed. The Board at that time fixed the 
price of the property (with a reservation of part of 
the church furniture, and the organ) at $20,000. 
The committee had several interviews with other 



72 HISTORY OF THE 

church committees, who talked of buying, but no 
definite conclusion was reached. They conferred 
with a committee of the Fourth Presbytery, who had 
in charge the purchase of a property for a German 
Church, but without effecting a sale. 

The congregation, on January 13th, 1868, ap- 
pointed Messrs. S. L. Kirk, Jos. Aitken, ¥m. R. 
Stewart, A. Lincoln and S. Bradbury, " a committee 
to select a new site, and erect a church edifice 
thereon." 

On May 11th, 1868, Messers. Lincoln and Brad- 
bury, were appointed a committee of the Board of 
Trustees " to place the church for sale in the hands 
of a real estate broker, and in the event of his not 
selling it within a month, to offer it at auction." 

Thus it appears, that there was a determination to 
move ; actions tending in this direction were crowd- 
ing one upon another. The congregation was ever 
ready to second the action of the Trustees, and the 
Trustees were ever ready to second the action of the 
congregation. 

Matters took a more definite shape in the summer 
of 1868. During August, of that year, Mr. Nathan 
W. Ellis, the owner of the lot at the North-east cor- 
ner of Franklin and Thompson streets, advised our 
committee on " purchase of lot " that he was then 
prepared to sell, and would wait but a limited time 
before he would offer his lot to the public. Our com- 
mittee, as soon as the congregation could be brought 
together after the summer vacation, had a call read 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 73 

for a meeting to be held September 9th, 1868. At 
this meeting it was stated that the lot on which the 
people for so long a time had fixed their minds, 
could now be had ; but any failure to act at once, 
would probably throw it into the hands of others. 

With an almost unanimous voice, the people 
directed its purchase, and appointed Messrs. A. Lin- 
coln and S. Bradbury a committee to secure it on the 
best terms possible. On the 23d of the same month, 
the committee reported to the congregation that they 
had purchased the lot named, 80 feet on Thompson 
street, and 120 feet front on Franklin street, at $7.50 
per foot, making the entire purchase money $15, 
000. One half of this amount was to be paid on the 
execution of the deed, and the other half to remain 
on mortgage for five years. Immediately upon the 
determination of the congregation to move, the pas- 
tor brought the subject to the attention of the " Pas- 
tor's Association. (The " Pastor's Association " was 
composed of all the pastors in the New School 
branch of the Presbyterian church, residing in the 
city of Philadelphia and vicinity). The Association 
appointed a committee to visit the church, examine 
its present location and the new site, and report 
thereon at an early date. The following is their re- 
port : 

Pastor's Association, Philadelphia, 
September 21st, 1868. 

The committee appointed to visit the Central 
Church, N". L.,in relation to the proposed removal of 



74 HISTORY OF THE 

the congregation from their present locality on 
Coates street below Fourth, to another part of the 
city, beg leave to report, viz. : 

The committee on visiting the church, found that 
the congregation had determined to remove to a lot on 
Franklin and Thompson streets. 

This action we consider profound wisdom. 

The present locality of the church, in the midst 
of an almost entirely German population, and the 
very many unpleasant surroundings, with little or no 
material out of which to build up a congregation, 
lead the committee to the conviction that it must 
ultimately go down, and that at no very distant day. 

This event we all would regard as a great calamity 
to the cause of Christ, and especially to our branch 
of the church. 

The former history of the Central (N. L.) Church, 
the benevolence of the members, and their noble 
work for the Master in years past, deserve to be per- 
petuated in another and more promising field — one 
in which their energies can be put forth on more 
hopeful material than its present locality will ever 
afford. 

The lot on the corner of Franklin and Thompson 
streets, on which they propose to build a new and 
handsome house of worship, the committee regard as 
a very excellent position. It is in a growing portion 
of the city, surrounded by a population of the highest 
respectability, more than a mile distant from the 
nearest church of our denomination, and more conve- 
nient for the congregation now attending the old 
church. 

With the spirit which the prospect of a new and 
more hopeful field has infused into the congregation, 
the energy of their pastor, Rev. James Y. Mitchell, 
and the blessing of God, the committee feel that a 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 75 

flourishing and influential congregation will be the 
result of the removal to this point. 

In view of this fact, and the good work which this 
old church has already done for Presbyterianism, and 
unwilling to see its light go out for want of a proper 
field in which to expand its power for good, we cor- 
dially commend this enterprise to the warm sympa- 
thy and Christian liberality of our people, trusting 
to make the latter history of the Central Church 
more glorious than the former. 

(Signed) R. H. Allen, 

Herrick Johnson, 

Peter Stryker, y Committee. 

GrEO. F. WlSWELL, 

Z M. Humphrey, 

This report encouraged the people, as they felt 
that they had the sympathy and co-operation of the 
Christian community, and that with these, success 
must surely come. 

They appointed Messrs. A. Lincoln, J. F. Jaggers, 
and the pastor, a committee to solicit subscriptions 
in the congregation ; and Mr. S. L. Kirk, Treasurer, to 
receive all moneys collected, by the committee or 
congregation, for the new church. 

An unlooked-for event happened about this time. 
The Session, at the request of the pastor, called a 
meeting of the congregation, October 14th, 1868, for 
the purpose of getting the people to unite with him 
in asking Presbytery to dissolve the relation existing 
between him and this church. 

The meeting was held in accordance with the call, 



76 HISTORY OF THE 

and, by a unanimous vote, the congregation decided 
to remonstrate against such a dissolution, and ap- 
pointed Messrs. Jos. Aitken, Abner Lincoln, and 
Robert Aitken, commissioners to represent them in 
Presbytery. The elders were appointed a committee 
to wait upon the pastor, acquaint him with the ac- 
tion of the congregation, and report at a subsequent 
meeting, to be held on Friday evening, October 16th, 
1868. At this meeting the elders reported having 
seen Mr. Mitchell, and that the whole matter had 
been satisfactorily adjusted. 

Mr. Mitchell, upon invitation of the congregation, 
made a short address, in which he expressed the 
happy relations which had existed between him and 
his people since he had become their pastor; ex- 
pressed the hope that the subject which had agitated 
them would speedily be forgotten, and that together 
they might labor in happy accord for the welfare of 
the church. The occasion of his application to be 
relieved was not sought for, nor was it in the line of 
his own judgment. Several of his ministerial breth- 
ren had named a place in Michigan as the key to the 
whole of the Northwest, and as a place of great im- 
portance to Presbyterianism. Believing that he had 
the necessary qualifications to improve it to the best 
advantage of the church and kingdom of Christ, they 
desired him to go there. Taking the advice of these 
brethren, and having flattering inducements held out 
to him by a people he had never seen, he yielded his 
own judgment, and sought to acquiesce in theirs. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 77 

This congregation, however, interfered, and showed 
their appreciation of their pastor not only by a con- 
gregational vote, but also by adding to his salary 
$1000. 

It should ever be remembered, that while they 
were struggling towards the building of a new 
church, they made this increase of salary, and the 
Lord enabled them to meet it as readily as any they 
had ever paid before. 

On November 2d, 1868, the congregation author- 
ized the Board of Trustees to execute a mortgage to 
Nathan W. Ellis for $7,500, for five years from 
January 1st, 1869 ; and at a subsequent meeting, 
held November 27th, 1868, authorized the Board of 
Trustees to build a new church edifice on the lot 
purchased, to make contracts, and to incur all neces- 
sary expenses in so doing. 



VIIL 

the "old edifice" sold, and the "new one" 
building. 

The records of the Board show that they were 
now earnestly engaged in furthering the wishes of 
the congregation. 

At their regular stated meeting, held February 
8th, 1869, Messrs. S. L. Kirk, Abner Lincoln, and 
S. Bradbury, were, on motion of Mr. Wm. R. Stewart. 



78 HISTOKY OF THE 

appointed "The Building Committee." This com- 
mittee invited the pastor to co-operate with them. 

The Building Committee held several interviews 
with Mr. Addison Hutton, architect, giving him 
certain general outlines as to the kind of building 
they desired ; specifying certain particulars which 
they had seen in other churches they had visited, 
and which they desired to have in our own ; and 
finally reported to the Board, April 12th, 1869, that 
they had adopted the plans and specifications fur- 
nished by Mr. Hutton ; had received estimates based 
upon these plans and specifications, and that other 
builders were estimating upon them. 

The committee, in arranging with the architect, 
desired not only that he should prepare plans and 
specifications, but that he should put these into the 
hands of but a limited number of builders, and these 
of unquestionable standing ; that he should give his 
attention to the building as it progressed, and see 
that it was built of the best materials and in the 
most workmanlike manner ; and that in all cases of 
dispute which might arise between the contractor 
and committee, he should act as arbiter. The com- 
mittee engaged to pay him for his services, in these 
several particulars, a percentage on the cost of the 
building, which, when a final settlement was made, 
amounted to $1,950. 

From the time when the new lot was purchased, 
the disposal of the church property became a subject 
of great perplexity. It was felt that no work on the 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 79 

new building could go on until money had been se- 
cured from the sale of the old. The Committee on 
sale were necessarily laboring with many misgivings. 
There had been much advertising of the old property 
for sale, but no buyers were found. Real estate bro- 
kers could not, or did not dispose of it. As a last 
resource, it was placed in the hands of Thomas & 
Sons, auctioneers, to be sold November 24th, 1868, 
at public sale, with the understanding that it should 
not be sold for less than $15,000. 

None can imagine the surprise and mortification 
experienced by the committee in attendance upon 
that sale, when, after many efforts on the part of the 
auctioneer, not a single bid could be secured, even at 
the low figure named. 

The work of that day made hearts sick. It was 
felt that the property must be disposed of now, at 
any price. Spring, and with it the time of building 
would soon come. It had been noised abroad that 
the work on the new building would soon commence ; 
but how could it now, when the unsold property held 
us back. Our hopes for the time seemed blasted. 

Just when matters were at the worst, God inter- 
fered. A committee from the Salem Reformed 
(German) Church, held a conference with the com- 
mittee of this church, with regard to the purchase 
of the property. At this conference, they asked for 
and obtained the refusal of the property for one 
week. At that time, April 27th, 1869, the commit- 
tees again met, and after a season of conference, the 



80 HISTORY OF T*E 

property on Coates street was sold to the Salem Ger- 
man Reformed Church, for $17,750. 

In this sale was included all the property, with 
the exception of pulpit furniture, communion table, 
and such other goods as might be denominated Sab- 
bath School, or private property. The terms of sale 
were such as to allow the building committee to go 
forward in their work w^ith satisfaction, as soon as 
the season would permit. 

The relief which this sale afforded was opportune, 
and, as we believe, directed by the unerring wisdom 
of God. Had any questioned the propriety of 
changing location, God in this matter convinced them 
by a voice which said " go forward." 

The Sabbath following this relief, the pastor 
understanding the feelings of the people, and enter- 
ing into the channel of their thoughts, preached from 
the text, " The cloud was taken up from over the 
tabernacle," Exodus, 40 chap. 36 verse. The direc- 
tions and deliverences of God, were presented in the 
sermon ; and the people were taught to see that by 
command of God, they were to go up and possess 
the new land. Before that Sabbath day had 
closed, one young man who before that time had not 
seen his way clear to give to the new enterprise, sent 
a letter to the pastor, stating that he was fully con- 
vinced the Lord had determined the movement, and 
enclosed a substantial donation to help it forward. 

A lady also, who prior to that time had opposed 
any change in location, after hearing of the provi- 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 81 

dences of G-od, which had confirmed the wisdom of 
the change, resolved, that should the Lord ever put 
in her possession a certain sum of money which had 
been owing to her for a long time, she would give it 
as a contribution towards the new church. Strange 
to say, within a few days from the time she made 
the resolution, she had received the money and given 
it over for the object named. 

The " Old Building " having now been sold, the work 
of going forward with the u New " was stimulated. 
The estimates for finishing the entire building when 
opened and read, were found to be considerably be- 
yond the calculations of the Building Committee, 
ranging as they did from $67,000 to over $80,000- 
It was then concluded to invite estimates for the put- 
ting up of the building, roofing it in, topping out the 
tower, flooring the audience room, and finishing the 
Lecture Room complete. 

In estimating upon this work, Mr. Robert Scott, 
of Wilmington, Delaware, was the # lowest bidder; 
and with him, Abner Lincoln, President, and Robert 
Aitken, Secretary, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, 
contracted for the building of an edifice according 
to the plans and specifications of Addison Hutton, 
Architect. 

It was on Tuesday, May 11th, 1869, when Mr. 
Scott's estimate was accepted by the Building Com- 
mittee. At the Wednesday evening lecture, the 
congregation was invited to meet before 7 o'clock on 
Thursday morning, May 13th, on the lot at Franklin 



82 HISTORY OP THE 

and Thompson streets. A goodly number met at 
the time named, when the pastor, in prayer, invoked 
the Divine blessing upon the enterprise ; prayed that 
there might be no interruption for want of means to 
go forward; asked protection for all who might 
labor on or about the building, so that no accident 
might befall any ; and entreated the Heavenly Father 
to make the church there erected, a lasting good to 
the community, and a glory to his holy name. 

After prayer, the pastor took a spade, dug the first 
earth, and cast it into a cart. He was followed by 
the other members, male and female, and soon the 
first cart load of earth was hauled away. 

From that time the work went steadily forward. 
All were solicitous about the kind of soil which 
would be found beneath the surface. We were glad- 
dened to see it all that we could desire ; and the uni- 
versal testimony was, that no better foundation for a 
building could be found anywhere. 

The walls rest upon a coarse, gravelly bed, which 
packs into a solidity by a pressure bearing upon it. 
The first stone was laid by the pastor on the morn- 
ing of June 9th, 1869, at the northwest corner of the 
foundation walls. The season was remarkably favor- 
able for building,. and, with but slight interruptions, 
a large gang of masons continued their work, having 
the walls ready for the reception of the first floor 
joists in the beginning of July. 

It had been arranged to have appropriate services 
at the laying of the Corner Stone. Invitations were 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 83 

extended to many of the friends of the enterprise to 
be present ; and, through the papers, the public was 
invited to meet on ftie afternoon of July 8th, 1869, 
to witness the ceremony, 

A temporary floor had been laid upon the first 
floor joists, and near the southwest corner of the 
building a canopy had been raised, under which seats 
were arranged for clergymen and ladies. 

The afternoon was excessively warm ; not a cloud 
softened the burning rays of that July sun. People 
chose rather to be within doors, yet, notwithstand- 
ing the heat, a large crowd gathered to witness the 
ceremonies. Many clergymen, representing different 
denominations, took seats in the places assigned 
them. The ladies, in large numbers, graced the 
scene with their presence ; and either standing in the 
crowd, or resting on extemporized seats, or group- 
ing at the windows of houses opposite, were people 
in numbers sufficient to give enthusiasm to the 
occasion. 

The exercises consisted of singing, under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Joseph F. Jaggers; prayer; reading of the 
Scriptures ; and short addresses by visiting clergy- 
men. The pastor then read a condensed history of 
the church ; after which he placed in a beautiful 
glass casket (made expressly for this occasion, and 
presented by the manufacturers, Grillen^er & Ben- 
nett), a copy of the Bible ; Confession of Faith ; The 
American Presbyterian ; The Presbyterian ; copies of 
all our city daily papers ; a set of proof coins (a gift 



84 HISTORY OP THE 

from Mr. John Campbell, of Manayunk); the history 
which he had just read, and th^ names of the church 
members. The casket was then deposited in the Cor- 
ner-Stone, and covered with a large stone slab. Then 
the pastor struck the stone three times with a ma- 
son's mallet, and publicly announced the Corner-Stone 
laid, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 
After the audience had sung a hymn, they were dis- 
missed with the Apostolic Benediction. 

The Corner-Stone was laid in the southwest corner 
of the building (on a line with the first floor joists), 
in the tower, immediately behind the angle formed 
by the two buttresses on that corner; the one 
facing south on Thompson street, and the other 
facing west on Franklin street. 

The history read on this occasion, and deposited in 
the Corner-Stone, is introduced at this point. For 
although it repeats some few facts already recorded, 
it presents new matter, and will furnish links to 
what might otherwise be detached history. 

HISTORY. 

" The corporate title of this church is ' The Central 
Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liberties.' 

"The original limits of Philadelphia were the 
Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, east and west, and 
Vine and Cedar streets, north and south. 

" All above Vine street was called ' North End/ 
and below Cedar street, i South End/ or ' Society 
Hill/ With the growth of society in these sections, 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 85 

separate municipalities became necessary, and the 
'South End' became the municipality of 'South- 
wark,' and the ' North End ' the municipality of the 
Northern Liberties.' The district of the Northern 
Liberties was incorporated in the year 1803, and was 
not consolidated with the city until the year 1854. 
At the time of its incorporation its population num- 
bered about 16,000, and at the time of its consolida- 
tion about 60,000 inhabitants. 

" During the latter half of the last century the 
spiritual wants of the people living above the city 
limits awakened the concern of the Second Pres- 
byterian Church, then worshiping at the corner of 
Third and Arch streets. This church was part of 
the fruits of the great revival under Whitefield's 
preaching, and was characterized for its zeal to 
propagate the gospel. It still survives the change 
of years, and it is worthy of remark that but about 
two weeks since, the congregation of the Second 
Church laid the Corner-Stone for a new church edifice 
at Twenty-first and Walnut streets. Dr. Beadle is 
the present pastor. 

" Rev. Dr. Sproat, who succeeded Rev. Gilbert 
Tennent, D.D., the first pastor of the Second Church, 
instituted religious services in a small house at the 
northeast corner of St. John and Coates streets. The 
Revolutionary war interrupted these services; but 
soon after its close, Dr. Ashbel Green, afterwards 
President of Princeton College, becoming a colleague 
of Dr. Sproat, united with him in methodically 

6 



86 HISTORY OF THE 

carrying on the services which had been interrupted. 
At length the growth of the congregation demanded 
the building of a church edifice. Mr. ¥m, Coates, 
a large land owner, made donation of the lot on the 
northwest corner of Second and Coates streets, then 
open ground, and, as was thought, too remote from 
the city to be ever disturbed by the march of busi- 
ness. The moneys needed to erect the building were 
secured by honest begging, and the building finished 
and opened April 7th, 1805. 

" Religious worship was held statedly for eight 
years, when the growth of the community and wants 
of the congregation demanded the settlement of a 
pastor. 

" A church was now duly organized, known as the 
First Presbyterian Church, Northern Liberties, and 
Rev. James Patterson elected its pastor. He was 
elected September 27th, 1813, and duly installed on 
Tuesday, January 11th, 1814. 

u The labors of Mr. Patterson were abundantly 
blessed. He inaugurated new measures to win souls 
to Christ ; he preached Christ in the pulpit and out 
of the pulpit, in the church and on the commons ; he 
visited much, and sent all his members to visit the 
sick and distressed. He organized the first Sabbath 
School ; he educated young men for the ministry, 
and labored in every way for the salvation of men. 
He saw the number of his communicants rise from 
52 to 1,100 ; and in the twenty-three years of his pas- 
torate in this church 60 young men were introduced 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 87 

into the ministry ; 1,700 persons were received into 
the church ; thousands of children instructed gratui- 
tously in Sunday Schools ; tens of thousands of im- 
mortal ones warned, counseled, exhorted, entreated, 
in the fields, in the streets, and in the place of 
prayer. 

" In the spring of 1829, it was concluded to sell 
the old church building at Second and Coates streets, 
and move into a westward location. This was because 
of the encroachments of business, and the increasing 
demands of another locality. 

" After the usual trials attending such a move- 
ment, the First Presbyterian Church in the Northern 
Liberties disappeared from the corner of Second and 
Coates street, but appeared again in Buttonwood 
street, below Sixth, where the new church building 
was opened May 12th, 1833. 

" Its history has been grand ever since, and to-day 
it is doing a noble work for God under the pastoral 
care of Eev. T. J. Shepherd, D.D. 

" At the time the moving the old church was first 
agitated, it had more than a thousand members, and 
it is not to be wondered at that Christian men should 
differ as to the best location of a new edifice. Men 
did differ, and that difference was the origin of the 
North Presbyterian Church, now standing in Sixth 
street, above Green, and of the Central Presbyterian 
Church, ET. L., now in Coates street, below Fourth, 
but which to-day lays the Corner-Stone of a new edi- 
fice on this spot. 



88 HISTORY OF THE 

"Differing from their brethren on the question 
of church site, and believing they had an inde- 
pendent work to do for their Master, they with- 
drew from the parent church, and denominating 
themselves ' The Central Presbyterian Church in the 
Northern Liberties,' they worshiped for a time in a 
school-room on Poplar street, above Second, looking, 
however, to the speedy erection of a church edifice 
on Coates street, below Fourth. This building, com- 
menced in 1835, was not occupied until the year 
1836. 

" During the time of its building, the congregation, 
having left the school-room in Poplar street, wor- 
shiped in the old Commissioners' Hall, in Third 
street, below Green. Here it was that on the 24th 
day of June, 1835, agreeably to the Form of Govern- 
ment of the Presbyterian Church, 21 persons were 
organized into a church. Of these 21, six still live, 
viz. : Hannah R. Naglee, Margaret Stewart, Joseph 
Aitken, Charles C. Aitken, Joseph Pond, and Catha- 
rine Pond — the three first named being still in the 
communion of the church. At the time of the or- 
ganization of the church, Rev. John McDowell, D.D., 
and Rev. Cornelius C. Cuyler, D.D., by invitation, 
attended. Dr. McDowell presided, and opened the 
meeting with prayer. After the usual form of ques- 
tions was proposed to the persons thus presenting 
themselves, they proceeded to elect, by ballot, three 
individuals to be ruling elders, when Mr. Charles 
Elliot, Mr. Benjamin Naglee, and Mr. John A. Stewart, 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 89 

were unanimously elected. The elders elect were 
then set apart to the office of ruling elders in this 
church. 

" The constitutional questions were proposed to 
the elders, and to the members, by Dr. McDowell, 
and were answered in the affirmative, which was fol- 
lowed with prayer by Dr. Cuyler. It was then 
declared that the church under the name of the Cen- 
tral Presbyterian Church, N". L., was duly organized. 
This was followed with an address to the elders by 
Dr. McDowell, and to the church by Dr. Cuyler. 
The solemn services of the evening were then con- 
cluded with the benediction. 

"On the 29th of June, 1835, this infant church 
elected their first pastor, Rev. Wm. H. Burroughs, 
of New Providence, N. J. Mr. Burroughs soon after 
accepted the call, and was installed over the church 
and congregation, by the Second Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia, on the evening of August 24th, 1835. The 
services were held in the First Presbyterian Church, 
N. L., by invitation from the pastor, Rev. James 
Patterson. 

" The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was, for the 
first time, administered in this infant church July 
12th, 1836. 

"The labors of Mr. Burroughs in his pastoral 
charge were of short duration. Disease invaded his 
system and laid him aside, and soon brought him to 
his grave. There was a strong mutual attachment 
between Mr. B. and the people of his charge. He 



90 HISTORY OF THE 

died at Newark, K J., July 29th, 1836, in the 36th 
year of his age, greatly beloved and deeply lamented. 

"On the 23d of August, 1836, a congregational 
meeting was held for the purpose of electing a suc- 
cessor to fill the place of Mr. Burroughs. Rev. 
Thomas A. J. Mines was unanimously elected. Mr. 
Mines accepted the call, and was installed the Sep- 
tember following. He sustained the pastoral relation 
for a very short period. At the expiration of two 
months he expressed a desire, in consequence of a 
feeble state of health, that his pastoral relation be 
dissolved. The Presbytery agreed to his dismission 
Mr. Mines continued in a weak and declining state 
till the 20th of January, 1838, when he was released 
from his earthly labors. 

" For several weeks subsequent to Mr. Mines' dis- 
mission, this church did not enjoy the labors of a 
pastor ; they depended on supplies as they were able 
to secure them. 

"On the 23d of October, 1837, the Rev. Anson 
Rood, of Danbury, Conn., was unanimously elected 
pastor. Mr. Rood, having accepted the call, was 
installed December 15th, 1837. The Rev. Eliakim 
Phelps presided, and proposed the constitutional 
questions. Rev. John L. Grant preached the sermon. 
Rev. George Chandler gave the charge to the pastor, 
and Rev. Albert Barnes the charge to the people. 
Mr. Rood continued the pastor of the church for 
eleven years and three months, resigning March 5th, 
1849, on account of his health, which, by reason of 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 91 

his labors, had been greatly impaired. His ministry 
was greatly blessed. Large congregations attended 
his services. He multiplied these services for the 
good of souls. He had added to his eldership Mr. 
Isaac Ashmead, elected October 13th, 1840 ; also, 
Messrs. Samuel T. Bodine and William T. Donald- 
son, who were elected May 8th, 1843, and ordained 
June 19th of the same year. Frequent were the 
revivals in the church, and its membership was more 
than fourfold increased during his ministry. His 
health continued to fail after his retirement from the 
active work of the ministry, and he died in the Lord, 
November 27th, 1857. 

" A period of thirteen months elapsed, after the 
resignation of Mr. Rood, before another pastor was 
called and installed. On January 4th, 1850, Rev. 
James P. Wilson, D.D., then President of Delaware 
College, was elected pastor, and in April of the same 
year he was installed pastor in the presence of a very 
large congregation. 

u Rev. Joel Parker, D.D., presided, and proposed the 
constitutional questions ; Rev. Dr. Gilbert preached 
the sermon ; Rev. Albert Barnes delivered the charge 
to the pastor, and Rev. Robert Adair the charge to 
the people. 

"The pastoral relation of Dr. "Wilson with his 
people continued but about fifteen months, when he 
resigned to accept the Professorship of Systematic 
Theology in Union Theological Seminary, New York. 
After serving in that position for some time, he 



92 HISTORY OF THE 

resigned to become pastor of a church in Newark, 
N. J., where he still resides, in the midst of an ad- 
miring and devoted people. His resignation as pas- 
tor of this church took place April 8th, 1851. 

" About seven months elapsed, when, on November 
17th, 1851, Rev. George Duffield, Jr., was elected 
pastor, and on May 13th, 1852, was duly installed. 
Dr. Gilbert presided, and proposed the constitutional 
questions ; Dr. James P. Wilson, former pastor, 
preached the sermon ; Rev. George Duffield, Sr., 
D.D., of Detroit, delivered the charge to the pastor; 
and Rev. W. W. Taylor the charge to the people. 

" Mr. Duffield continued pastor of the church for 
more than nine years. During this time he was the 
witness of many revivals, and was fully assured that 
his faithful preaching of the gospel was accompanied 
with the power of the Holy Ghost. His soul con- 
tinually yearned for the salvation of men. He had 
added to his eldership Messrs. B. D. Stewart, ¥m. 
Sanderson, H. H. Shillingford, and G. C. Bower, who 
were elected and ordained to office in April, 1855. 
His resignation took place in the summer of 1861, 
when he accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church 
of Adrian, Mich , from which he afterwards went to 
become the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of 
Galesburg, 111., where he still labors, being blessed 
and blessing others. 

" Several months elapsed before another pastor was 
called. On the 11th day of June, 1862, the congre- 
gation elected Rev. James Young Mitchell, then of 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 93 

Newton Presbytery, !N\ J. On October 26th follow- 
ing, he was installed as pastor of the church. Rev. 
T. J. Shepherd, D.D., presided, and proposed the con- 
stitutional questions, and delivered the charge to the 
pastor. Rev. Dr. Brainerd preached the sermon, 
and Rev. E. E. Adams, D.D., delivered the charge to 
the people. Up to the present time, for more than 
seven years, he continues the pastor. He moves with 
his people in this movement, hoping, trusting, pray- 
ing, that God will give it success. He has added to 
his eldership Messrs. Joseph Aitken, Jame3 Neely, 
and Abner Lincoln, who were elected and ordained 
to office in October, 1866. He has had many occa- 
sions to thank God for the outpouring of his Holy 
Spirit upon his congregation, and for adding to the 
church a goodly number of such as shall be saved. 
With thankful heart we record the fact that in the 
spring of 1863 the last of the debt upon the old 
church building ($7,500) was removed. 

" The old Central Church has done much for the 
cause of Christ ; and though, because of removals to 
other sections of the city, it has lost many of its once 
active members, these have not been lost to Christ. 
Many, if not most of our churches in the city are 
now enjoying the benefits of faithful workmen, who 
first began to work for Christ in this old church. 
Though much of her former glory has departed for 
the present, we rejoice to believe that the day is not 
far distant when it will return again. Her existence 
has not been in vain. Her history is a history of 



94 HISTORY OF THE 

revivals, of large benevolence, and of continued labors 
for Christ. 

" The present movement of our church has long 
been contemplated. For many years we have suffered 
much because of our people moving farther north and 
west. Our church was growing weaker every year. 
This was said fifteen years ago. The community 
which we now occupy is largely German. It is be- 
coming more and more so every year. The material 
to support our church, or to attend it, is not in the 
neighborhood. We are solicitous for this Zion. It 
has a grand history. In other days she laid her 
treasures at the Saviour's feet. She has largely 
helped to build new churches, and to support feeble 
ones. No object of Christian obligation, love or 
charity did she overlook. Multitudes have been 
saved through her instrumentality — multitudes who 
have gone up out of her to heaven now swell that 
great cloud of witnesses which to-day encompasses 
us; and multitudes more who still linger in this 
world, pillars in the church of God elsewhere, proudly 
call it their spiritual birth-place. We have glad- 
dened their hearts, we have gladdened our own, in 
the transfer of the old edifice in Coates street to 
German Reformed Salem Church. That old build- 
ing, where tears of repentance and tears of spiri- 
tual joy have been shed, where sinners have been 
born again and saints been gladdened, where the 
waters of baptism have been sprinkled and the 
communion table spread — is not lost to the cause 



TBMPLB PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 95 

of God. It is still to echo the praises of our 
Saviour. 

" We come to this spot. We come to be more 
central to our own people. We come to offer fur- 
ther church accommodations to this rapidly growing 
neighborhood. We come to preach Christ and Him 
crucified. We lay the Corner-Stone of this new 
church edifice to day. Soon the last stone will be 
placed, the last arch sprung, the last beam adjusted. 

" When this is done, may we say it is well done ! 
May God say it is well done. May the history and 
hallowed associations of our time honored church be 
perpetuated, and when in eternity it is remembered, 
of many may it be said-— They were born there." 

" God grant it.-— Amen." 

The months which followed the laying of the Cor- 
ner-Stone, were months of considerable anxiety. To 
the credit of the German committee, we record with 
pleasure the promptness with which they made every 
payment upon the old church property as it matured. 
But, the whole amount which they owed fell far 
short of the $52,200, the amount due Mr. Robert 
Scott, upon the contract for building our new church. 
Our congregation although doing well, could not be 
expected with their small numbers and limited 
means, to give as the necessities of the case re- 
quired. 

The building committee held many anxious meet- 
ings. It was often felt that the work must cease for 



96 HISTORY OF THB 

want of funds. Not only were there anxious days, 
but sleepless nights. There was begging and bor- 
rowing. It mattered very little, whether there was 
pouring rain or burning sun, the burden of running 
the streets soliciting subscriptions and contributions, 
had to be borne. Ofttimes after the greatest labor of 
this kind, there was very little to comfort. 

At the time the committee of the " Pastors' 
Association," made their report as previously given, 
we had hoped to realize from the community, an 
amount, which added to our own contributions, and 
the proceeds of the sale of our old property, would 
be amply sufficient to establish our congregation in 
the Lecture Room of our new church free from debt. 
In this we were disappointed. 

Growing out of the action of the " Pastors' Asso- 
ciation," there was a meeting of prominent Presby- 
terian laymen called to meet in the Lecture Room of 
the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, on 
Washington Square. At that meeting, the financial 
condition of several of our churches was considered, 
and a committee consisting of Hon. W. Strong, W. 
E. Tenbrook, Thomas Potter, Alexander Whilden 
and John C. Farr, was appointed to examine the 
matter still further, and report at a subsequent meet- 
ing. This committee afterwards reported, recom- 
mending the raising of $105,000 to assist or relieve 
certain churches, which had recently been finished, 
or were in process of erection. Of this amount our 
own church was recommended for $25 ,000. The other 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 97 

churches at the time the committee reported, were 
more pressed for money immediately, than our own. 
Hence, of the first contributions made to the fund 
named, the committee handed over pro rata, to the 
most needy at the time. 

The whole amount of that fund was never raised. 
Many of the subscriptions were canceled, because 
the subscribers had given their names on condition 
that the whole amount be raised, and others of the 
subscribers donated their individual subscriptions 
according to their preferences. 

One cause which cooled the ardor of the commit- 
tee and the Presbyterian public, in the matter of 
raising the whole amount, was the agitation of the 
" Reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian 
Church." 

This subject had been for so long a time discussed 
in church Journals, in Presbyteries, Synods and Gene- 
ral Assemblies, that it was a foregone conclusion it 
must take place. It was actually accomplished at 
Pittsburgh in 1869. 

In the efforts of the committee to make up the 
fund of $105,000, they found many who hesitated 
because they believed that upon the " Reunion " an 
effort would be made to liquidate the debts of all the 
churches. The committee, because of this public 
sentiment, measurably failed in their effort to relieve 
the " New School " churches. 

It was not anticipated at that time that a " Re- 
united Church" would be called upon to do such 

7 



98 HISTORY OF THE 

great things in the way of building a large Presby- 
terian house, a hospital, a home for widows and 
single women, and that the demands would be heavy 
upon the people, for other interests than those of in- 
dividual churches. 

The work of the committee, however, was not lost 
altogether. The churches which they undertook to 
relieve, while they did not get what they expected and 
relied upon, received in part ; our own church getting 
$12,850. 

This amount was not actually collected and handed 
over to our treasurer by the committee. It required 
personal effort to secure it. The names of the sub- 
scribers on the books of the committee were given to 
the pastor, and either he, or some member of the 
Building Committee, had to call upon the parties to 
obtain the amount of their subscriptions. Often- 
times the effort was as trying as the getting of a new 
contribution. 

We cannot but remember, in this connection, our 
indebtedness to Messrs. Wm. E. Tenbrook, B. D. 
Stewart, Thomas Potter, Alexander Whildin, and 
F. L. Bodine (all of whom were either members of 
the committee or contributors to the fund), for the 
interest they manifested in our work. To them 
chiefly we are indebted for the amount which we 
have received from this source. 

Notwithstanding the trials attendant upon raising 
the means needed to prosecute our work, we expe- 
rienced no considerable delav. Loans sufiident to 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 99 

bridge over seasons of necessity were from time to 
time secured. Mr. Abner Lincoln, as the records 
show, assisted very much in this direction, and to 
him the church has been, and is still, greatly in- 
debted. 

The builders made good use of a remarkably fine 
summer and fall for building. 

Scarcely a working day was interrupted by rain ; 
and so favorable was the season that the roof of the 
building was completed on December 28th, 1869, 
and the tower topped out January 4th, 1870. 

The work on the inside went on briskly, with the 
exception of about two weeks in the latter part of 
February. An agent of the contractor questioned ■ 
with the Building Committee concerning a payment 
which he regarded as already due him. The com- 
mittee differed with him ; and pending the dispute, 
work was suspended. The matter was amicably ad- 
justed in a short time, and the work went on. 

According to the terms arranged in the sale of the 
" old property," our congregation was required, upon 
the equalization of the payments then agreed upon, 
to give possession to the German church on October 
1st, 1869. Did they not require possession at that 
time, it was arranged that our congregation should 
retain possession until March 1st, 1870, upon paying 
the interest upon the purchase-money from October 
1st, 1869 until March 1st, 1870. It was afterwards 
found that our Lecture Room in the new building 
w y ould not be rerulv until la tor than March; and Ivy 



100 HISTORY OF THE 

an arrangement with the German church, we kept 
.possession of the "Old Building" until April 11th, 
1870, we paying interest upon the money received up 
to that time. 

As it grew near the time of leaving the " Old 
Church," it was thought advisable to have a reunion 
of the present and former members. To this end the 
following circular was issued : 

"invitation. 



" Central Presbyterian Church, (N. L.) 

Coates Street, below Fourth. 



" You are affectionately invited to attend a Reunion 
of the present and former members of the Central 
Presbyterian (N. L.) Church and congregation, to be 
held in the church, Coates street, below Fourth, on 
Thursday evening, March 10th, at a quarter before 8 
o'clock. 

"This meeting, earnestly desired by many of the 
former members, and looked forward to with interest 
by those still in the church, will afford the only op- 
portunity we shall ever have of thus visiting the 
' Old Church Building/ so dear to us all because of 
sweet communions, holy joys and happy associations 
enjoyed within its walls. 

"As a church, we will hereafter remember the days 
of the past in our new church edifice (now approach- 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 101 

ing -completion) at the northeast corner of Franklin 
and Thompson streets. 

"Let us come together, then, and, in parting at the 
spot where we have often before so gladly met, may 
we congratulate each other, and render thanksgiving 
to God because the ' Old Building,' in passing from 
us, passes into the hands of the ' Salem German 
Reformed (German) Congregation,' which will con- 
tinue to hold it as a place * where God's honor 
dwelletk' 

James Y, Mitchell, Pastor. 

Vm. Sanderson, Sr., ) 

Joseph Aitken, v Elders. 

Abner Lincoln, ) 

Committee. 

Post Office Address of Pastor, No. 1003 North Fifth street " 

This meeting was held, and quite a large number 
attended. The pastor presided. We had a season 
of prayer, singing, and reading of the Scriptures. 
After this, letters were read from Rev. Dr. James P, 
Wilson, a former pastor, and several of the former 
members, who were unable to attend. 

Pleasant reminiscences of other days were then 
recounted by Messrs. B. 1). Stewart, Henry Davis, 
G. W. Grice, Duffield Ashmead, Rev. S. W. Duffield, 
and others ; after which all joined heartily in sing- 
ing the hymn, 

" Blest be the tie that binds," <fec 

^hen the meeting was closed with the benediction 
by the pastor. 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

The German Church took possession of the old 
property on April 11th, 1870. This was three weeks 
before our Lecture Room was ready for occupancy. 
During these three weeks our people visited other 
churches — watching daily, however, for the announce- 
ment in the daily papers of the time when the 
4i opening exercises " would take place in the new 
edifice. 

Everything being in complete readiness, due notice 
was given in all the city papers on Saturday, May 
7th, 1870, that the opening exercises in the Lecture 
Room would take place on Sabbath, May 8th. Simi- 
lar notice was given through the American Presbyte- 
rian, our denominational paper. 

The building committee had also prepared a neat 
folding card, to be sent to individuals who had be- 
friended us, as well as for general distribution in the 
neighborhood of the church. 

On the first page of this card was given the follow- 
ing u Order of Exercises i" 

Sunday, May 8th. 

SERMONS BY 

Rev. Peter Stryker, D.D., Pastor of North Broad 
Street Presbyterian Church, . . . 10J a. m. 

Rev. Z. M. Humphrey, DJX, Pastor of Calvary Pres- 
byterian Church, r . 3| P. M. 

Rev. II. C. McCook, DJX, Pastor of Seventh Presby- 
terian Church, 8 p.m. 

Opening of Sabbath School at 2 p. m. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 103 

Monday, May 9th. 

UNION MEETING. 

To be addressed by several neighboring pastors. 



SERMONS. 

Tuesday, May 10th, at 8 P. M. 
Rev. Herrick Johnson, D.D., Pastor of First Pres- 
byterian Church. 

Wednesday, May 11th, at 8 P. M. 

Rev. R. IL Allen, D.D., Pastor of « Old Pine Street" 

Presbyterian Church. 

Thursday, May 12th, at 8 P M. 
Rev. E. R. Beadle, D.D., Pastor of Second Presby- 
terian Church. 

Friday, May 13th, at 8 P. M. 
Rev, T- X. Orr, Pastor of First Reformed Church. 

Sunday, May 15th, at 10\ A. M. 

SERMON BY 

Rev. R. H. Allen, D.D., 
And Administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's 

Supper. 

At 8 P. M. 
Sermon by the Pastor 



104 HISTORY OF THE 

On the second page of the card was printed the 
following : 

" The Lecture Room of the Central Presbyterian 
Church, "N. L., just completed, at the northeast cor- 
ner of Franklin and Thompson streets, will be opened 
with appropriate exercises, commencing Sabbath, May 
8th, 1870. You are cordially invited to be present. 

Jas. Y. Mitchell, Pastor. 1 ' 

There was the simplicity of Presbyterian worship 
maintained at all these services. The Trustees had 
procured the services of Mr. Joseph F. Jaggers, to 
lead the singing, and he conducted it after the man- 
ner of the Precentor in the Church of Scotland. It 
was in this way that the singing was conducted at 
the time the church was opened in Coates street. 
Then it was under the leadership of Mr. Josiah P. 
White, who continues his membership with the 
church until the present time. 

The morning of May 8th was beautiful. It ap- 
peared as though God had favored us with just such 
a day as that for which all had been wishing. It was 
what might have been denominated " a lovely Sabbath 
morning in spring." The Lecture Room was crowded 
with worshipers, and all were pleased with the 
exercises. 

About the close of the morning services, clouds 
began to gather in the sky ; the winds rose, and 
there were many fears that a heavy rain would inter- 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 105 

fere with the balance of the day's programme. In a 
measure, our fears became a reality. Rain began to 
fall a little while after noon ; and when the time 
arrived for the gathering of the Sabbath School 
scholars, there was riot only rain, but there burst 
upon the city the most terrible and destructive hail- 
storm ever known in our country. The stones were 
of an immense size, and were driven by a high wind 
with such velocity, that protection was sought for 
by man and beast. So suddenly did it begin, and 
with such force did it continue, that persons in their 
homes had not time, nor dared they venture, to close 
even the shutters, to protect the glass in their win- 
dows. This storm, in its fury, continued for at least 
half an hour ; and when it ended, there was scarcely 
a house which had not its broken window-panes. 
Some church windows were literally riddled. The 
number of window-lights broken was calculated, in 
some of the papers published the next day, at hun- 
dreds of thousands, and by others at millions. The 
Lord saved our church, as two or three small pieces 
of glass in the borders of the windows were all that 
were broken. 

The storm, which began suddenly, passed away 
suddenly. When its strength was wasted, the sun 
shone forth ; and although the opening of the Sab- 
bath School was interfered with for a time, we got 
together at last, and spent a short season with the 
children in pleasant and profitable opening exercises, 
directed by Mr. Robert Aitken, superintendent. The 



106 HISTORY OF THE 

remaining parts of the programme were gotie through 
with according to the announcement, with but one 
exception. It was impossible for Dr. Allen to preach 
the sermon on Sabbath, May 15th, and the pastor 
took his place. 

At the Union Meeting, on Monday, the 9th, ad- 
dresses were made by Rev. D. E. Klopp, pastor of 
Trinity Reformed Church ; Rev. ¥m, 0. Johnstone, 
pastor of Kensington Presbyterian Church ; Rev. J. 
F. Kennard, pastor of the Tenth Baptist Church ; 
and by the pastor. All the meetings were quite well 
attended, notwithstanding rains prevailed every eve- 
ning during the week, with the exception of Friday 
evening. Collections were taken up at every ser- 
vice, and in the aggregate amounted to $2,880.29, 
which sum was used to meet, in part, the expenses 
incurred in the building. 



IX. 

PROM THE "LECTURE ROOM " TO THE " MAIN AUDIENCE 

ROOM." 

The work done up to the time of the completion 
of the Lecture Room was in perfect accordance with 
the original design of the architect, as accepted and 
approved by the Building Committee, with but 
slight alterations and additions. 

To avoid the annoyance attendant upon outside 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 107 

drainage from the roof during seasons of rain or 
snow, the committee, at an additional expense of 
$275, had iron conductors to pass on the inside of 
the stone walls, from the roof to the cellar, where 
they were connected with terra-cotta pipes, laid 
under the cellar floor, and through these all the water 
was conveyed into the sewer on Thompson street. 
The separation between the Lecture Room and the 
Infant Sunday School Room was to be by sash, hung 
with weights and pulleys. A mistake on the part 
of the carpenter made them to swing on hinges. 
The committee, however, believing them to be satis- 
factory in this way, allowed them to remain the 
carpenter paying the difference in the cost. The 
space now occupied by the library room, together 
with the vestibule leading thereto, were, by the Archi- 
tect's plan, intended to be a part of the Bible Class 
and Trustees' room. Believing that a room sepa- 
rated from the main room would be better for the 
Librarian's work, they had the plan changed to 
what it now is. 

Three feet were also taken from the north end of 
the pastor's study, and made use of for closets and 
stationary wash-stand. A screen at the back of the 
centre block of pews, immediately in front of the 
main entrance door, was fixed by the committee to 
break the force of the air upon persons inside when 
the door was opened. 

In addition to the regular contract made with Mr. 
Robt. Scott, there was a contract made with Morris 



108 HISTORY OF THE 

and Haines, for three furnaces capable of warming 
the entire building, also for registers, dampers, &c. ; 
the contract price for the work thus contemplated 
was $1,371, of which amount the furnaces cost $1,000. 
The back stairway leading from the Franklin street 
door up to the audience room, under the main con- 
tract, was only to be horsed up ; the committee in 
view of the necessities which would frequently occur 
for its use, had it finished at a cost of $232. They 
had also seats put in the infant room for $167.50. 

In addition to the items already specified as altera- 
tions or additions, the committee purchased the gas 
fixtures for $100, had a brick pavement laid on the 
north and east sides of the church, and had prepared 
the foundation for a slab pavement on Thompson and 
Franklin streets. , 

Everything which was needed to be done was 
done, in order that the congregation might be com- 
fortable in their new place of worship. 

These " extras " added a few thousands of dollars 
to the cost of the building, every cent of which is 
carefully recorded on the books of the treasurer. 

In contemplating the work done thus far, we deem 
it our duty to place on record the conviction of all 
who have watched the progress of the building The 
contractor was a man with a conscience. He not only 
superintended the work, but worked himself. He was 
in earnest to make a good job. Living at Wilmington, 
Del., he felt that a church building of such propor- 
tions if substantially erected, would be to his advan- 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 109 

tage in securing contracts in this city. He slighted 
no place, and allowed no place to be slighted by his 
men, from the time the first stone was laid until the 
last nail under his contract was driven. Hence, we 
have full confidence in the substantial character of 
the building. 

The building committee having an eye not simply 
to beauty, but to strength also, chose the style of 
architecture which the building has. They ignored 
the high pitched roof, preferring to increase the 
strength by binding the walls together with heavy 
girders. 

All of the materials, whether of lime or stone, 
wood or iron, were ordered to be of the best quality. 
The lumber on reaching the ground was carefully 
inspected, and as agreed upon in the contract, not a 
board could be used which did not meet the approval 
of the committee. 

All disputes arising between the commitee and the 
contractor, were to be referred to the Architect as 
umpire to decide. Happily very few matters had 
to be referred, as the contractor was seemingly bent 
on making; our interests his own. 

The opening of the " Lecture Room," was followed 
by a large increase in the congregation. This will 
readily appear when we mark the fact, that in the 
annual report made in January 1870, for a period 
covering the whole year, the basket collections 
amounted to only $113.33 ; while' from the opening 
of the Lecture Room until January 1871, a period 



110 HISTORY OF THE 

of less than eight months, the basket collections 
amounted to $390.47, a difference in favor of the 
shorter time of $277.14. 

The pews, of which there were 96, rented quite as 
readily as was anticipated, and before the first six 
months had elapsed, all the most eligible had been 
taken. 

The few who had been struggling to accomplish 
the work already done, soon found themselves en- 
couraged and strengthened by fresh additions to 
their numbers. The coming together of the old and 
new, under God, did not partake so much of the 
nature of adding, as it did that of blending. We began 
to see not only new faces in our congregations, new 
names on our rolls, but new workers in our fields. 
We received fresh inspiration from new advisers, 
and fresh encouragement from new counsellors. 

The moral strength received by new persons cast- 
ing their lot with us, was fully appreciated by all 
the people. Among those who occupied official posi- 
tions, it was frequently the theme of kindly remark, 
and we are not surprised that at the close of the year, 
several members of the Board of Trustees, resigned 
in order that their places might be filled by others 
who could officially bring their former experiences 
in other churches, to further the welfare of our own, 
The people heartily welcomed all who joined hands 
with them, and at the congregational meeting, Janu- 
ary 9th, 1871, of the five trustees chosen, four were 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Ill 

of those who had lately associated themselves with 
us, in the work of the Lord. 

At this same congregational meeting, the Board 
of Trustees was authorized to create a mortgage on 
the church property, for such an amount as they 
thought necessary, not exceeding $25,000, the pro- 
ceeds to be applied to the funding or cancellation of 
our present indebtedness. 

Another matter of considerable importance was 
brought up at this meeting. It was an act authori- 
zing the Board to issue stock or scrip, under the 
authority of this corporation, to an amount not ex- 
ceeding $20,000, the proceeds to be applied to the 
completion of the church edifice. 

After some discussion of this proposition, it was 
laid upon the table, to be taken up at an adjourned 
meeting of the congregation, on January 18th, 1871. 
The pastor was invited to be present at the adjourned 
meeting. 

During the interval which elapsed between the 
stated and adjourned meetings, a conference was held 
by some of the male members of the church. At 
this conference the pastor brought forward the sub- 
ject of the " Memorial Fund." 

In 1869, when the two branches of the Presbyte- 
rian Church came together, there was a wide-spread 
enthusiasm throughout the whole church. The city 
of Pittsburg, where the Old and New School Assem- 
blies merged into one, witnessed scenes memorable 
in the historv of Presbyterian ism. There was not 



112 HISTORY OF THE 

only the procession, in which, by previous arrange- 
ment, former Old School men linked arms with for- 
mer New School men, but there was also one of the 
grandest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held 
by a religious body. In the midst of this enthu- 
siasm it was proposed by some members of the body 
to raise in the " Reunited Church " $5,000,000 as a 
" memorial " unto the Lord for his wonderful good- 
ness and providence in bringing such a happy state 
of things to pass. This proposition was heralded 
throughout the land, and the church became com- 
mitted to it. 

When the General Assembly, after the reunion, 
met in the First Presbyterian Church in this city, 
in May, 1870, the proposition was brought forward, 
a committee appointed to see it carried out, and ar- 
range all the machinery necessary to make it a suc- 
cess. Theological seminaries, colleges and professor- 
ships were to be endowed, and the work of the Lord 
generally was to be fostered and furthered by the 
munificent fund. The whole amount was to be 
raised by the time the Assembly met in 1871. The 
work was done, well done, and better done than the 
most sanguine had hoped for. 

Certain churches like our own, engaged in build- 
ing, were allowed to raise money to push forward 
their individual work, and for the amounts thus 
raised in the time specified, were to receive credit on 
account of the "Memorial Fund." 

The brethren of the conference, upon learning 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 113 

these facts, thought it best to waive all questions 
touching the issuing of stock or scrip, and see what 
they could do in the way of raising money, as 
authorized by the Memorial Committee. When, 
therefore, the congregation met, and had the Memo- 
rial Fund explained to them, they voted down the 
a resolution on stock or scrip," and appointed Messrs. 
S. Bradbury, Abner Lincoln, S. L. Kirk, Dr. B. C. 
Snowden, Dr. J. P. Curran, Lewis Davis, Robert 
Dornan, and Conrad B. Day, a Committee on Memo- 
rial Contributions." On motion, the pastor was 
added to the committee. This committee, as we 
find afterwards reported, succeeded in raising contri- 
butions to the amount of $10,293.75. 

Soon after this, a mortgage of $25,000 upon the 
church property was negotiated with the Fire Asso- 
ciation, and the mortgage of $7,500, given to Mr. 
Ellis, was paid off. 

The congregation encouraged the Board of Trus- 
tees to go forward in the completion of the church 
building. With this in view, at their meeting, held 
May 8th, 1871, they unanimously elected Mr. Jacob 
Knight a member of the Building Committee. 

The Building Committee invited proposals from 
several builders for the finishing of the church edi- 
fice. These proposals contemplated all the carpenter 
work, lumber, stairs, pews and plastering necessary 
for the completion of the work. The committee met 
at the office of the Architect, May 29th, 1871, to open 
these proposals, when it was found that the lowest 

8 



114 HISTORY OF THE 

estimate for the work was from A. Catnach & Son. 
A contract was entered into with them, and they 
commenced upon the work immediately. 

A look at the church building at this time will 
not be out of place. All the stone work was done* 
The main entrance door on Thompson street, and the 
door on Franklin street, were finished and in place. 
All the windows on the lower floor were hung. On 
either side of the main door, as you entered, there 
was a temporary wall, of lathe, and one coat of plas- 
ter, so as to protect the Lecture Room from the rub- 
bish which accumulated in the unfinished portion of 
the building. The two side entrances on Thompson 
street were boarded up, as were also the windows in 
the second story. The floor in the main room was 
laid, and the gallery joists in position. Within the 
walls, the Lecture Room and rooms adjoining were 
alone complete. 

In view of a festival to be held in the church 
about this time, and as the work had to be done be- 
fore the lathing and plastering commenced, the 
Building Committee engaged Mr. Hugh Thompson 
to introduce the gas-pipes. They also changed the 
original design, which was to have the gallery front 
circular, and arranged to have it straight. This 
change, and. another, which provided a better pew 
end, brought the cost of the work contemplated by 
Catnach & Son to the sum of $10,000. 

After due consideration, the Building Committee 
thought best to reduce the space allowed by the 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 115 

Architect for the back stairway and pulpit recess. 
By cutting off three feet from this space, there was 
still left sufficient room for a wide stairway and pul- 
pit recess ; and while the architectural design was 
not interfered with, the audience room was increased 
in depth. This alteration was made by the con- 
tractors for $130. The plan of the Architect, upon 
which the contracter based his estimate, called for 
only 126 pews. There being ample room for more, 
the committee arranged to have 150. Afterwards, 
however, to allow a wider space between the pulpit 
platform and the pews in front of it, they had two 
taken out, leaving the number 148. In the gallery 
were placed eight very long pews. 

The work of finishing now went forward quite 
briskly. The committee had other contracts to make, 
and they had to be continually on the alert, lest their 
delays might delay the work already advancing. 
Contracts were made with Mr. John Gibson to do all 
the frescoeing, after a design furnished by the Archi- 
tect, for $770 ; with 'Messrs. J. and G. H. Gibson, to 
furnish, after approved patterns, all the glass re- 
quired, for $1,455.57 ; with Mr. Charles M. Baker, 
to do all the painting, graining, oiling, &c, necessary 
to complete the church in the best manner, for $415 ; 
with Cornelius & Co., for furnishing gas fixtures and 
putting them up, for $400 ; and with Morris & 
Haines, for registers, &c, $148. 

Looking forward to the completion of the churchy 
which was expected about December 1st, 1871, it was 



116 HISTORY OF THE 

thought advisable to have everything in complete 
readiness for dedication at that time. On Sabbath, 
July 9th, the pastor announced that a meeting of the 
congregation would be held on Wednesday, the 12th 
inst., to consider a matter connected with the open- 
ing of the church. At that meeting, the object was 
stated to be the appointment of a committee to make 
all arrangements for procuring a suitable organ to be 
used in the main audience room, now in process of 
completion. Whereupon Messrs. J. P. Curran, M.D., 
John Dickey, and Samuel H. Davis, were appointed. 
The distinctive title of the committee was, " The 
Organ Committee." 

Soon after their appointment, they held a joint 
conference with the Building Committee. According 
to the Architect's plan, the organ was intended to be 
placed in the northeast corner of the building, along- 
side of the pulpit. At this conference, however, it 
was decided to place the organ in the gallery, and 
have the corner where it was originally intended to 
be, made to correspond with the other side of the 
pulpit, and to use the recess as a store-room. 

Having decided as to where the organ should be 
placed, the Organ Committee began to inquire more 
particularly of what they were to do. They attended 
organ openings, corresponded with organ builders, 
studied the wants and wishes of the congregation, 
but concluded that for the present at least, they had 
better wait until other matters more important were 
attended to, and the finances of the church would 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 117 

warrant them in arranging for the building of such 
an organ as they believed the church needed. To 
bridge over from the present to a more favorable 
time, they hired an organ, which, with satisfaction, 
has been used until now. 

Notwithstanding the expectations of the congre- 
gation, the work of finishing the church was not 
completed until the close of January, 1872. The 
dedication might have taken place in January had 
the committee forced the work along. They chose, 
however, to wait until everything was in complete 
readiness ; until even the minutest matter had been 
attended to 

On Thursday evening, February 1st, the Building 
Committee, with many of the members of the church, 
met in the audience room, to test the gas arrange- 
ments. The experiment proved that the style of 
lighting the church was satisfactory, both as to the 
softness of the light and the amount of light 
given. 

When there was nothing further to be done, pub- 
lic notice was given, through the religious and secular 
papers, that the church would be dedicated to the 
worship of God on Sabbath, February 4th, 1872. A 
card similar to that which had been distributed at 
the time of the opening exercises in the Lecture 
Room, was printed, and copies sent to the friends of 
the church, and distributed throughout the commu- 
nity. This card contained the following programme 
of the "Dedication Service*:" 



118 HISTORY OF THB 

Sabbath, February Jfth, at 10\ A. M, 

Sermon preached and Dedicatory Services conducted 

by the Pastor, 

Rev. James Y. Mitchell. 

SERMONS BY 

Rev. R. H. Allen, D.D., 

At S P. M. 

Rev. H. C. McCook, 

At 7\ P. M. 

Monday, February 5th, 8 P. M. 

union meeting. 

To be addressed by several neighboring pastors. 

sermons. 

Tuesday, February 6th, 8 P. M, 

Rev. J. L. Withrow, 

Pastor of Arch Street Presbyterian Church. 

Wednesday^ February 7th, 8 P. M. 

Rev. D. March, D.D., 

Pastor of Clinton Street Presbyterian Church. 

Thursday, February 8th, 8 P. M.- 

Rev. E. R. Beadle, D.D., 

Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 119 

Friday, February 9th, 8 PM. 

Rev. H. Johnson, D.D., 

Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. 

Sabbath, February 11th, at 10\ A. M. 

Administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's 

Supper, by the Pastor, 

3 P. M, 

Sunday School Jubilee. 

ADDRESSES BY 

Rev. ¥m, Q. Johnstone, 
Pastor of Kensington Presbyterian Church, 
and the Pastor. 

Smgirag and other exercises, by the Children of the 
Sabbath Schools. 

7 § P. M n 

SERMON BY 

Rev. R. D. Harper, D.D., 
Pastor of North Broad Street Presbyterian Church. 

Monday, February 12th, 8 PM. 
Social Gathering and Selecting of Pews and Sittings. 



120 HISTORY OF THE 

This programme was fully carried out, except in 
two particulars. Rev. Dr. Beadle, Saving injured 
himself by a fall, was unable to be present. Rev. 
E. H. Nevin, D.D., pastor of the Reformed Church in 
Race street, below Fourth, took his place. Rev. Dr. 
Harper, could not attend, owing to sickness. The 
pastor occupied the pulpit in his stead. The Union 
meeting on Monday evening was participated in by 
Rev. W. T. Eva, pastor of Bethesda Church ; Rev. 
Noah M. Price, pastor of Lutherbaum Church, and 
Rev. Wm. R. Work. 

The weather during the services was very fine. 
We could hardly have looked for so mild a season 
during a winter month. Very large congregations 
attended the meetings, and a collection being taken 
up at each of the services, the treasury was benefited 
to the amount of $4,820. 

A large number of persons attended the Social 
Gathering on Monday, February 12th. 

The Board of Trustees had decided to sell the 
choice of pews. On the opening of the Lecture Room, 
the Trustees had acted on the principle that " the 
first coming should be first served." This arrange- 
ment did not give entire satisfaction. To avoid 
difficulty about location in the main room, they de- 
cided to sell the choice of pews at the time of the 
Social Gathering. 

The purchaser did not acquire a title to the pew he 
selected, but simply the right to occupy it, subject to 
the rental as fixed bv the Board of Trustees, and 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 121 

also to all regulations and restrictions which they 
from time to time might impose. The premiums for 
choice were made payable with the quarter's rent 
next due, and amounted to a few hundred dollars. 

A committee of the Board — viz, S. L. Kirk, 
Jacob Knight, Robert Doman and Abner Lincoln, 
had previously prepared a schedule of the rentals, 
which was also approved by the Board. 

At the time or the " sale of choice," the pews had 
tacked upon them, the amounts for which they rented, 
so that all choosing could do so intelligently. The rent- 
ing of pews was as satisfactory as could be expected. 
The first annual report succeeding, showing a reve- 
nue from that source of over $5,000. 



X. 

AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER — INCREASING THE NUM- 
BER OF MEMBERS IN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND 
CHANGING THE CHURCH NAME. 

In the annual report of the Board of Trustees to 
the congregation, made at a meeting held January 
8th, 1872, two very important propositions were 
brought forward. One of these contemplated a 
change in the " Corporate Title" of the church ; the 
other " an increase in the number of the members of 
the Board of Trustees. These propositions had re- 
ceived the careful attention and consideration of the 
Board. 



122 HISTORY OF THE 

On Dec. 11th, 1871, they had appointed a commit- 
tee "to consider the expediency of procuring an 
alteration in our church charter, changing our 
corporate name, and also increasing the number of 
trustees." 

This committee at a meeting of the Board, held 
January 3d, 1872, reported as follows : 

" That as our old name, ' the Trustees of the Cen- 
tral Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liberties/ 
has ceased to have any local significance attached to 
it, and is long and unwieldy ; they recommend a 
change to the 4 Grace Presbyterian Church of Phila- 
delphia.' 

They also recommend an increase in the number 
of members of the Board of Trustees from nine, the 
present number, to fifteen," 

(Signed) S. L. Kirk, ) 

S. Bradbury, \ Committee. 

J. P. CURRAN, ) 

When these propositions came before the congre- 
gation, the second was adopted at once, and with 
entire unanimity. The congregation had felt, that 
in a growing church, where so many were continu- 
ally identifying themselves with us, that it was well 
to be more fully represented in the Board, so that 
the efficiency of the church might be increased, and 
her welfare promoted by additional counsellors. 

The first proposition regarding the "change of 
name," did not at the time it was offered, meet with 
the same unanimous approval. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 123 

It was not to be wondered at that exceptions were 
taken to the action. Some believed that a change of 
name, would to some extent at least, destroy all pre- 
vious history of the church. 

Pleasant associations and happy religious hours, 
seemed to them to be in one way or another connec- 
ted with the name, or at least the name linked 
them to these associations. 

Others thought that a name worn with honor so 
long, ought not to be changed without some fuller 
explanation of the reasons for that change* It was 
true, the church was no longer in the " Northern 
Liberties," but there were other reasons, which to 
their minds were more potent and satisfactory, why 
it should be done ; and these reasons ought to be 
embodied in some way, in any resolution which con- 
templated a change of name. 

After some discussion of the subject, its further 
consideration was postponed, and the Trustees were 
directed to call a special meeting of the congregation 
at an early day, (giving two week's notice from the 
pulpit) to consider the question. 

In the discussion of this subject, the Presbyteria 
reason for the change was mentioned, but not fully 
brought to the notice of the congregation. 

After the " Reunion " of the two branches of the 
Presbyterian Church, the Presbyteries and Synods 
were reconstructed. Changes of names became not 
only frequent but necessary. The Fourth Presbytery, 
to which our church previously belonged, was incorpo- 



124 HISTORY OF THE 

rated with what is now the " Philadelphia Presby- 
tery/' and the Third Presbytery, with what is now 
the " Presbytery of Philadelphia Central." 

In these changes, our own church being North of 
Market street, was by a geographical arrangement 
brought within the bounds of the "Presbytery of 
Philadelphia Central." 

It so happened, that another church, (formerly Old 
School) the Central Presbyterian, was brought into 
the same connection. The sameness of name often 
produced great confusion in the public prints, and in 
Presbyterial and Synodical gatherings. It was felt 
desirable by many of the ministerial brethren, that 
either our own, or the other Central Church should 
accept the logic of events, and as many others had 
done, change the corporate title. 

The other Church being our senior by a few years 
could not be expected to yield in this matter, so the 
question pressed itself upon us. 

Many believed and do still believe, that the time 
is coming when there will be but one Presbytery to 
embrace all churches in the city. In such an event, 
another Central Church (colored) would be upon the 
roll, and add to the confusion of names. 

Out of these facts, chiefly the whole discussion in 
our church was brought about. 

The Trustees were in no immediate hurry to call 
another congregational meeting, preferring to wait 
until such times as they believed the whole matter 
would be well understood, and heartily acquiesced in 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 125 

by the congregation. In the meantime the members 
talked to one and another about it, and a conference 
of male members was held. 

The Trustees seeing they must take steps to have 
the charter amended according to the vote of the 
congregation, touching an increase in the number of 
the Board ; desiring to have but one expense and one 
trouble in bringing the charter for amendment before 
the court ;. and believing that they could no longer 
postpone the meeting, and comply with the directions 
of the congregation, which named " an early day," 
issued their call for a meeting to be held on Wednes- 
day Evening, March 27th, 1872, immediately after 
the regular lecture. 

The pastor without consuming the time usually 
taken up for lecture, retired to his study after the 
introductory exercises, to hold a conference with 
some of the ladies of the church, regarding the inter- 
ests of the " Ladies Aid Society." 

As soon as the congregational meeting had been 
organized, and the resolution under which it was 
convened had been read, Mr. W. R. Stewart moved 
" that a committee of conference, consisting of three 
persons, be appointed to prepare a preamble and reso- 
lution, and report to this meeting tonight." The 
motion prevailed, and Messrs. W. R. Stewart, Abner 
Lincoln and W. L. Clifford, were nominated and 
elected the committee. 

When the committee had retired, several of the 
members indulged in remarks on the subject. Pre- 



126 HISTORY OF THE 

sently the committee of conference returned and pre- 
sented their report as follows : 

" Whereas, the recent coming together of the two 
branches of the Presbyterian Church, has necessi- 
tated the blending of Presbyteries ; and in many 
instances requiring new names to be given : and, 

Whereas, in our own Presbytery thus united, 
there is another church organization known as the 
Central Presbyterian, which similarity of names 
causes much confusion in Presbyterial records ; there-^ 
tore, 

Resolved, That while we cannot forget the past his- 
tory of the church under the old name ; and mindful 
of the ever watchful care of a kind Providence, who 
during a somewhat varied history has blessed and 
prospered us ; we feel called upon as a concession to 
this spirit of union and harmony, so prominent in 
our united church, to change the corporate title ; and 
be it therefore, 

Resolved, That the Board of Trustees be authorized 
to take the necessary steps to so amend the charter, 
that hereafter the title of this corporation shall be 
Presbyterian Church." 



(Signed) Wm. P. Stewart, 
Abner Lincoln, 
Wm. L. Clifford, 



Committee. 



On motion, the resolution attached to the report 
was adopted ; after which the preamble in the report 
of the committee was adopted. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 12T 

Messrs. J. P. Curran, M. D., Abner Lincoln and 
E. R. Craver, were appointed a committee to prepare 
a list of names to be voted for to fill the blank in 
the report of the committee. The name " Grace " as 
previously reported by the Board, was not presented 
at this meeting, because it was discovered that a Pres- 
byterian mission had recently been started in the lower 
part of the city bearing the title. 

The following names were presented to the congre- 
gation : Temple, Pisgah, Carmel and Emmanuel. 

These names were voted for by ballot. The first 
ballot decided by a very large majority of all the 
votes cast in favor of the name " Temple." On 
motion the blank in the report of the committee of 
conference, was filled with the name " Temple," and 
the report as a whole was adopted without a dissenting 
voice. 

When the congregation had finished the business 
which brought them together, and just before they 
had retired, the pastor returned to the Lecture Room 
from his study, and made a short address. He spoke 
of the circumstances which led to the consideration 
of the subject which had claimed their attention ; of 
the former history and associations, which had clus- 
tered around the old name; of these being inde- 
structible by any changes, whether of location or 
name ; congratulated them on the name chosen; re- 
minding them that the title was not only distinctive , 
but to his knowledge had never before been adopted 
by any church. 



128 HISTORY OF THE 

The Ancient Temple although costly and rich in 
ornaments, had a glory other than that found in its 
curious workmanship, and in its overlayings of gold 
and silver. Its main glory was in the extraordinary 
marks of the divine favor with which it was 
honored. 

In it were the Ark of the Covenant, the Shechinah, 
the Urim and Thummim. As in the " Ark of the 
Covenant " were treasured the " Tables of the Law" so 
may this Temple hold with sacred reverence the laws 
of our God. As from the " Mercy Seat " which was 
upon the " Ark of the Covenant," the " Divine Ora- 
cles " were given out by an audible voice, so may we 
in this Temple hear the voice of God, in behalf of his 
people. As " The Shechinah " was visibly mani- 
fested by a cloud resting over the " Mercy Seat," so 
may we in this Temple have the constant presence of 
God with us. As by the " Urim and Thummim" 
God was consulted in all momentous and difficult 
matters, so may we by the word of God, and the 
ordiances appointed under God in this Temple, hold 
counsel with Him on all matters with which we have 
to do. 

The glory of the " Second Temple " was greater 
than the former, because Christ appeared in it May 
Christ not only appear, but abide with us. May the 
Holy Spirit ever manifest his wonderful work in 
enlightening and establishing God's children, and in 
quickening dead sinners into spiritual life ; and when 
our works and services in this Temple are ended r 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 129 

tmiy we all- have a " new name written on oar fore- 
heads" and be permitted to join in the unending 
services of the " Heavenly Temple," with the blood- 
redeemed, who never weary in chanting with a loud 
voice, " Worthy is the Lamb, that was slain, to re- 
ceive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, 
and honor, and glory, and blessing." 

After this address the pastor led in prayer, and 
dismissed the congregation with the Apostolic Bene- 
diction. 

The congregation having given the Board of Trus- 
tees authority to take such legal measures as were ne- 
cessary to secure the amendments to the charter, the 
Board, at its meeting held April 8th, 1872, appointed 
Messrs. S. L. Kirk, Robert Dornan, and Lewis Davis, 
as a Committee for that purpose; this Committee 
engaged J. Austin Spencer, Esq., as Counsellor, and 
to him was committed the work of having the charter 
so amended as to conform to the vote of the congre- 
gation. It was not, however, until the meeting of 
the Board, held January 11th, 1873, that the com- 
mittee were able to report their work done. On 
December 2d, 1872, the Court of Common Pleas, for 
the City and County of Philadelphia, after reciting 
that all proper legal steps had been taken in the 
matter, " did decree and declare, the name, style and 
title of this corporation to be changed to that of 
* Temple Presbyterian Church ; ' also, that the Board 
of Trustees be increased in number from nine to 
fifteen members, allowing the election of five of these 

9 



130 HISTORY OF THE 

annually, on the second Monday in January, in* each 
and every year, to serve for three years." 

The first election under the amended charter, took 
place at the congregational meeting held January 
13th, 1873. 

The " Building Committee," after the dedication 
of the church, were continued by the Board; not 
because there was any work to be done for which 
they were specially appointed, but to attend to the 
collection of outstanding subscriptions, so far as they 
could, and pay off the indebtedness to contractors 
and others. 

On December 9th, 1872, they made a final report 
of their operations to the Board of Trustees, which 
report was accepted, the Committee discharged, and 
the report adopted as a part of the annual report of 
the Board to the congregation. This final report of 
the " Building Committee," is a general outline of 
the work done from the time of its appointment, 
February 8th, 1869, up to the time of its discharge, 
December 9th, 1872, nearly four j^ears, and was re- 
ported at the congregational meeting held January 
13th, 1873. 

A look at the building at this time, shows it com- 
pletely finished within, in all its parts. Outside, a 
board pavement is laid, the Trustees hoping during 
the coming season, to be able to lay a flag pavement 
and put up an iron railing ; when this is done, all is 
done which is needed for the accommodation, con- 
venience and comfort of the congregation. The 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 131 

tower, according to the design of the architect, is 
intended to be finished out at the top with a spire. 
With this in view, all the necessary strength for 
such a purpose was maintained during the building 
of the tower, and all needed framework for the foun- 
dation of the spire was put in its place. This finish, 
not being absolutely needed, is not at the present 
time considered. 

Looking over the past, we wonder how a church 
in a weakened condition, with but little financial 
ability, could ever have undertaken such a work as 
that, which Ave now call " finished." The secret of 
all is " Faith." The people believed in God. They 
believed that He who had cared for this church in 
days gone by, would care for it in the days of its 
trial and need. With faith they overcame doubts, 
and with faith they triumphed. Very generally too, 
they illustrated the truth of the text, from which 
the pastor preached his first sermon in the new 
" Lecture room : " " For the people had a mind to 
work" Neh. 4 ch. 6 v. Faith and works happily 
joined together, God owned and blessed. He gave 
them courage to endure until we entered into the 
new field. He then put it into the hearts of others 
to join hands with them. The body thus enlarged, 
was like-minded and like-determined — co-operation, 
sympathy, oneness, characterized it ; and now we 
behold the results. While much remains to be done, 
may we not believe it will soon be done, after what 
we know has been done. 



132 HISTORY OF THE 

XL 

A LOOK AT THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE CHURCfi. 

The Church although so much engaged, and that 
too, from necessity, in things pertaining to her tem- 
poral interests, was not idle with regard to things 
spiritual. All the building operations, in which we 
were concerned, did not more interfere with us, than 
did the terrible feelings of suspense and doubt which 
pervaded the congregation, when it was generally 
believed that the extinction of the church was only a 
question of time. * 

At the time of the installation of Mr. Mitchell as 
pastor, the appearance of things was not very en- 
couraging. The church had been without a pastor 
for more than a year. During that time, many of 
the people had attached themselves to other churches 
— the love of many had waxed cold — and some had 
ceased altogether to attend the ordinances of God's 
house. It was not to be supposed, that all the luke 
warm and indifferent r nor in fact that any of them 
would resume their places at the name of a new pastor, 
to them unknown and untried. 

Nor could it be expected, that of those who had 
identified themselves with other churches, many of 
whom had been assigned to important offices therein T 
would relinquish their places and come back as 
before. The most that was looked for from these, 
was their sympathy and good Irishes, (which had 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 133 

measurably been lost) and if circumstances required, 
their substantial support. These, under God, were in 
many instances secured. 

At this time, there was but one elder in the church, 
Mr. William Sanderson, Sr. This fact weakened the 
hopes of the people ; for as a church from its very 
commencement, until little more than a year of the 
time we now consider, it had prided itself upon a 
strong, efficient corps of men in the eldership. 

There were less than 100 reliable names on the 
church register, when Mr. Mitchell was " called." 

At the congregational meeting which voted the 
call, there were but 61 votes cast. This, when it is 
remembered that special efforts were made to have a 
full meeting, that there was the excitement which 
always attends the choosing of a pastor, that members 
of the church, regardless of age, sex or pew rental, are 
permitted to vote for a pastor, shows no very en- 
couraging numerical strength. 

There were but 25 persons who held full pews, and 
35 persons who held parts of pews or sittings, making 
a total of 60 persons, who contributed through the 
regular channel towards the support of the church. 

From this showing, we could not expect to have 
large numbers in attendance upon the services of the 
church ; prayer meetings and weekly lectures were 
considered well attended if there were 25 or 30 per- 
sons present. 

The times themselves were unfavorable for any 
wide-spread religious influence. The " War for the 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

Union " absorbed the thoughts of the community. 
Every family almost, had a member in the ranks of 
our country's soldiery. There was great anxiety 
everywhere. There were daily expectations of some 
great battle, and news from " the seat of war " was 
eagerly sought after. It oftentimes appeared as 
though " war news " had been held back, or the march 
of armies had been so arranged, or the opposing 
forces had purposely begun their battles so as to have 
Sabbath days, days of peculiar excitement. 

Many, if they did not get " war news " before they 
went to church, expected to hear " war sermons " in 
the church. The papers teemed with advertisements 
of " sermons to soldiers," or, " sermons in behalf of 
soldiers." Congregations anywhere and everywhere 
were incomplete unless made up in part of men in 
naval or military uniform. " Newsboys " shouted 
lustily their " extras " and " latest editions " hard by 
where congregations gathered ; and it was no surpris- 
ing thing, to see knots of people pouring over the 
contents of these papers in church vestibules. 

The war encouraged excessive worldliness ; money 
was easily to be made and people made it. Specula- 
tions became rife, investments were made in all kinds 
of stocks and securities, whether reliable or fancy, 
without the ordinary questioning and care which 
men are wont to exercise. It seemed as though peo- 
ple had abandoned themselves to think only of this 
world. 

The frequent tidings of thousands killed in battle. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 135 

seemed to harden their hearts so that an allusion to 
death failed to move them. Such times were not 
favorable for making religious impressions. 

God, during this time of war, seems to have re- 
served his special blessings for the men who had 
gone into the heat of battle. While the church 
mourned the coldness and worldliness of its members 
at home, there were frequent outpourings of the Holy 
Spirit upon those who had gone forth to war at the 
c all of their country ; and many who were strangers 
to God when they enlisted under our country's flag, 
became soldiers of the cross to fight under the flag of 
our King Emmanuel. 

It is pleasing to note, that notwithstanding the 
unfavorableness of the times for extended religious 
effort, God never left the church without a witness. 
At the very first communion season in which Mr. 
Mitchell officiated, one came forward and united 
herself to the people of God. And at every com- 
munion succeeding, while we remained in the Old 
Church on Coates street, we had additional testimony 
that God was with us. 

There were but two seasons of protracted services 
between 1862 and 1870. 

Many of the few members we had, lived at long 
distances from the church, and it was quite impossible 
for them to attend with regularity the meetings. 
Some objected to coming, because of the rough char- 
acters and rough places in the neighborhood. It 
was thought best not to have special meetings, while 



136 HISTORY OF THE 

the members thus excused themselves from attend- 
ing. 

The times when protracted services were held, 
seemed to be directed by God ; and as a result of our 
waiting before Him, He gave us at our April com- 
munion in 1865, twelve, and at the April communion 
in 1868, twenty-three persons, to be added to the 
church on profession of faith. These two com 
munions furnished about one-third as many commu- 
nicants as there were altogether on the roll in 1862. 

During the other communions until the very last 
held in the Old Church, there were additions to our 
membership. 

The last communion in Coates street, was held on 
Sabbath evening, April 10th, 1870. This being the 
last time for holding service in the Old Church, it 
was thought best to have the communion at that 
time, instead of the morning, as was the regular cus- 
tom. 

At this communion, two persons, one over seventy 
years of age, stood up and professed faith in Christ. 

Looking over the whole period, seeing how the 
German character of the community did not warrant 
us in hoping for an increase in membership from it, re- 
membering how " the war " engrossed the thoughts of 
all, how worldlymindedness ruled everywhere, how, 
when the war ended we had to consider and arrange 
for building elsewhere, it is a cause for congratula- 
tion and thanksgiving to God, that he not only kept 
our handful of people together, but during that time, 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



137 



(little more than seven years), gave witness, by ad- 
ditions to the church at every communion season, 
that He had not forsaken nor forgotten to remember 
us. 

Upon entering our new building, the roll of mem- 
bers was made out anew with the following result : 



Number enrolled as communicants 
Of the 21 who organized the church 

there remained .... 
Of those received during the ministry 

of Rev. ¥m. H. Burroughs . 
Of those received during the ministry 

of Rev. A. Rood .... 
Of those received during the ministry 

of Rev. J. P. Wilson, D. D. . 
Of those received during the ministry 

of Rev. G. W. Duffield, Jr. . 
Of those received during the ministry 

of Rev. James Y. Mitchell 

Total . . . 



169 
3 

2 
21 

8 

54 
81 



169 



As arranged for in the programme of the opening 
exercises, there was a special communion season on 
the morning of the second Sabbath after we entered 
our " New Lecture Room." 

It was hardly expected at that time, that any would 
profess their faith in Christ, but He who had re- 
membered us at the last communion held in the Old 
Church, by putting it into the hearts of two to sit 



138 HISTORY OF THE 

down for the first time at His table with His people, 
put it into the hearts of just double that number to 
join themselves to the people of God and sit down 
with them, when for the first time His table was 
spread in the New Church. 

Besides these, five from sister churches, by certifi- 
cate, cast in their lots with us at the same time. 

From that time, we have had frequent manifesta- 
tions of the Spirit of God being with us, and repeated 
assurances that He has owned and blessed the labors 
of His people. 

In the Spring of 1871, there was a special religious 
interest pervading the congregation. An earnest desire 
prevailed for the salvation of souls. There was a 
greater wrestling with God in prayer. Additional 
meetings were demanded and held. These continued 
for four weeks ; quietness, depth of feeling, softening 
of hearts characterized them, and God gave us a tes- 
timony that He was pleased with us, by adding to 
the church on profession of faith, 33 persons. 

Mr. Joseph F. Jags;ers, formerly a member and 
elder in the Presbyterian Church at Fairton, New 
Jersey, having connected himself with this church, 
was elected a ruling elder September 28th, and in- 
stalled ihe Sabbath following, October 2d, 1870. 

The undivided attention of the people could not, 
nor can it yet, be given to the spiritual wants of the 
church. 

When it is remembered that this was a period in 
which the work on the " Audience Room " was 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 139 

going on, and with it completed, provision must 
needs be made for all improvements on the outside 
of the building, also for the raising of funds to meet 
present indebtedness, surely the grace of God in Christ 
was manifested in bringing the hearts of His people to 
agonize over perishing sinners and to rejoice over 
sinners converted. 

Up to the present time, we have had added to the 
church since locating in this new neighborhood, 195 
persons. 

Of the whole number of communicants on the roll 
since it was made out at the opening of the New 
Church, 13 have died, 5 have left because of removal 
from the city, and 11 have gone to sister churches 
nearer their present residences. "With these losses, 
the church has yet a net increase to its roll, since 
May, 1870, of 166 members, making a total member- 
ship of 335. 

Under the blessing of God during the past few 
years, notwithstanding the war and trials incident 
thereto, the apparent hopelessness of the cause, from 
a generally received impression that the church must 
die, the hardships connected with building a new 
church, and the forced division of thought between 
things temporal and things spiritual, the membership 
numerically was more than tripled, and the feeling of 
confidence and hope fully restored. 

" The Lord has done great things for us, whereof 
we are glad." 

Mindful of the past ; remembering that God has 



140 HISTORY OF THE 

revealed a shining face from behind many a dark 
cloud ; that he has led us safely through ways in 
which at first we feared to tread, we go on to our 
future work. Though much yet remains for us to 
do, we will trust in Him, who can make crooked 
places straight, believing that e're long all the claims 
against our church will be fully cancelled, and that 
this " Temple " will be filled with the songs of many, 
who, "new born," shall be further prepared and 
polished within these walls, for a place in the 
" Heavenly Temple " of our God. 



THE SABBATH SCHOOL 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH* 143 



XII. 



THE SABBATH SCHOOL. 

No history of this church would, or could, be 
complete without an article on its Sunday Schools. 

Prior to the establishment of this church, there 
were in operation Schools which became the objects 
of attention, care and oversight of this people as 
soon as they became distinctively a church organi- 
zation. 

Shortly after the installation of Rev. James Pat- 
terson as Pastor of the First Church, K". L., he se- 
cured the services of his people in gathering the 
neglected children of the district together, on the 
Sabbath, for the purpose of giving them gratuitous 
and religious instruction. As far as is known, this 
was the first school of the kind in this country. 

This movement, so novel at that period, met with 
some opposition ; but its success, after a time, won 
for it hosts of friends. 

Under the teachings of their pastor, the member- 
ship of the First Church became largely engaged in 
the Sabbath School work. What was initiated with 
small beginnings grew into such large proportions, 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

that in 1816 it was proposed to build a room capable 
of accommodating the crowds of children who sought 
Sunday School instruction. This occasioned the 
building of the "Old Lecture Room" on Coates 
street, west of Second, which was finished in 1818, 
and whieh stands until this day, although the en- 
croachments of business have made it useless for the 
purpose for which it was originally intended. 

The first members of our church were all recog- 
nized " Sunday School Workers," and they would 
have been degenerate children of a noble parentage 
had they been otherwise. 

About the 1st of December, 1830, nearly five years 
before the organization of this church, about forty or 
fifty children were gathered together in the parlors 
of the house of Mr. Benjamin Naglee, then resident 
on Fourth street, below Green, and were formed into 
a Sunday School, with Mr. Naglee as Superinten- 
dent. In this place the Sessions were regularly held 
until the Spring of 1831, when the School was re- 
moved to Mr. John Dickerson's school-room, on 
Poplar street, above Second. This was about the 
time certain persons were dismissed from the First 
Church, and organized the Third Church, N". L. 
When the Third and Second Churches united under 
the name of the First Church, Penn Township, the 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 145 

school was transferred to the church building in 
Sixth street, above Green. When a portion of the 
members separated from that church, about fifty or 
sixty scholars accompanied them to the school-room 
on Poplar street. There they continued until April 
19th, 1835, when they were removed to Commis- 
sioners' Hall, Third street, below Green, and from 
thence to the church building on Coates street, below 
Fourth, on November 14th of the same year. 

From this we learn that our school had an exist- 
ence prior to our distinctive church organization, 
and that its beginnings were characterized by the 
same vicissitudes as marked the beginnings of our 
church. 

About one year after the school was established in 
the church building, it had increased so much in 
numbers, that it was divided into two departments, 
male and female. 

The male department was under the charge of Mr. 
Benjamin Naglee, and the female under the charge 
of Miss Ann E. Reynolds. The former occupied 
what was afterwards known as the " Infant Sunday 
School Room," and the latter the " Session and Trus- 
tees' Room." 

As part of the missionary labors among the young 

of the district, the First Church had established 

10 



146 HISTORY OF THE 

Mission Schools" at different points. One of these 
was the " Eastburn School/ 5 so named out of regard 
to a minister of that name. This school was organ- 
ized about the year 1825, and was situated on Char- 
lotte street, between Beaver and George streets. 
During its existence it had as Superintendents, 
Messrs. Seth Collom and C. C. Aitken. The general 
average attendance was 120 scholars. 

Another Mission School, established about the 
year 1827, was styled " The Nazarene." It was 
located, at the first, on Charlotte street, near Frank- 
lin (now Girard) avenue ; afterwards, its location 
was changed to the north side of Franklin (Girard) 
avenue, between Third and Fourth streets. It had 
as Superintendents, Messrs. William Erhardt, Joseph 
Naglee, and Joseph Aitken. The average attend- 
ance was 80 scholars. 

In October, 1837, the teachers of the church 
schools, and the teachers of the u Eastburn" (reported 
as the Fourth Street School), and "Nazarene" 
Schools, met together for the purpose of organizing 
what was afterwards known as " The Sabbath School 
Association of the Central Presbyterian Church of 
the Northern Liberties." On the 29th of October, 
1837, these teachers adopted a constitution and 
by-laws ; and on the 6th of November were fully 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 147 

organized under the same. The objects of the Asso- 
ciation were set forth in the preamble, as follows : 

""We, the undersigned persons, citizens of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, worshiping in the 
Central Presbyterian Church of the Northern Liber- 
ties, desirous of imitating our Lord and Master, 
Jesus Christ, who, when upon the earth, went about 
doing good, have formed ourselves into a society 
to give religious instruction to children on the 
Sabbath day, between the hours of divine service 
in the church, and, if need be, to search out those 
destitute of religious instruction, and convene them 
together in the Sabbath School, and, by our pre- 
cept and example, aided by Divine grace, lead them 
to a saving knowledge of the truths contained in the 
Holy Bible." 

This first Association was disbanded on June 2d, 
1842 ; but on the very next day, another Associa- 
tion, with similar objects in view, and similar laws 
to govern it, was organized. From time to time, 
reorganizations have taken place, but up to the pre- 
sent time there exists " The Sabbath School Associa- 
tion." The direction of the school is under its 
control. By it all the officers in the Sabbath School 
are elected ; and to it all reports of the work done in 
that special field are submitted. A]] the teachers 



148 HISTORY OF THE 

and officers in the school, upon their election, and 
signing the constitution, are regarded in full mem- 
bership. 

THE MAIN SCHOOL. 

At the first, all scholars were taught in the same 
room. Then there was the division into male and 
female departments. On March 7th, 1841, the larger 
scholars, of both these departments, were brought 
together in the Lecture Room (and formed what we 
denominate the "Main School"), under the superin- 
tendence of Mr. B. Naglee. This school has continued 
with varied success ever since. Up to the time of 
removal to our present location, the greatest number 
of scholars reported was in January, 1859, when the 
roll contained 257 names. The greatest number of 
teachers reported was 29, in November, 1858. At 
the time of the last report prior to our removal, there 
were 121 scholars enrolled, with an average attend- 
ance of 77. This number was considerably dimin- 
ished when we first entered our new church, but at 
the present there are 210 scholars. 

The school has also 7 officers and 35 teachers. 
Upon coming to the new church, the classes were 
designated by scriptural or other names, chosen by 
the teachers and scholars according to their own 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 149 

preferences, and associated with these names were 
appropriate mottoes. 

BIBLE CLASSES. 

While no definite information can be found upon 
the records concerning Bible Classes existing in the 
school during its earlier history, we know, by occa- 
sional references, that this part of the work was not 
overlooked. It would appear that at times the sexes 
were separated, and then again brought into the 
same class together. The first recorded information 
on the subject is concerning a class organized June 
16th, 1861, by Mr. S. L. Kirk. At first it num- 
bered 2 male and 7 female scholars. The whole 
number afterwards increased to 22. On March 19th, 
1866, the class was divided, and two classes, one 
male, and the other female, were formed ; the first 
under the charge of Mr. Morris Ebert, and the other 
under the charge of Mr. D. C. Golden. At the pre- 
sent time there are five Bible Classes, two male, and 
three female — numbering in all 55 scholars. 

INFANT SCHOOL. 

On March 7th, 1841, the Infant School was orga- 
nized. The primary object was to educate the "little 
ones " sufficiently to enable them to take their places 



150 HISTORY OF THE 

in the classes of the " Main School." This school is 
still in active operation. A superintendent and 
three assistants, by various methods, teach them to 
recite passages of Scripture, answers to questions in 
Catechism, and such hymns as are easily understood 
by the young. From this school there are trans- 
ferred from time to time, into the Main School, 
scholars who are advanced sufficiently to read and 
understand the Bible. The school now numbers 200 
scholars. 

MISSION SCHOOLS. 

The "JSTazarene," which came under the control of 
the Association when it was first organized, con- 
tinued in existence until May 7th, 1840, when it was 
discontinued as a separate school, because the build- 
ing in which it was held had to be taken down at 
the time of the widening of Girard avenue. At that 
time it was united with the Eastburn, or Fourth 
Street School. 

The Fourth Street School ceased to make reports 
to the Association, from May 7th, 1840 ; and, from 
the silence of the recor ds, we judge it had no connec- 
tion with the Association from that time. 

A Mission School was organized about the year 
1841, at the northwest corner of Tenth and Coates 
streets. It had 7 teachers and 35 scholars. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 151 

A Mission School was organized February 11th, 
1857, in Poplar street, above Fifth. Mr. ¥m. San- 
derson, Sr., was the superintendent, and he was 
a ssisted by a corps of twelve teachers. The number of 
scholars increased from 40 to 110. This school was 
discontinued May 9th, 1858. It was merged into a 
Mission School, which at that time was established in 
the American Mechanics' Hall, at the corner of Fourth 
and George streets. This school was at different 
times under the direction of Messrs. GL C. Bower, 
Wm. Sanderson, Sr., and C. C. Aitken. It had upon 
its roll 26 teachers and 355 scholars. After an exist- 
ence of three years and four months, it was removed 
to the church in July, 1861. 

The " Allen Street School " was taken in charge 
January, 1859. Mr. C. C. Aitkin was superintendent, 
and the average attendance of scholars about 85. 
The room in which the school was held had to be 
vacated, and it being impossible to secure another 
suitable in the neighborhood, the school was dis- 
banded in November of the same year. 

On September 21st, 1868, a communication from 
Mr. I. M. Price, superintendent of the "Union 
Mission School," at the southwest corner of Ninth 
and Girard Avenue, was received, asking that his 
school be brought into connection with our " Asso- 



152 HISTORY OF THE 

elation. " The school had a library, singing and text 
books, five teachers and about forty scholars. It 
having been stated that Mr. B. I). Stewart had agreed 
to pay the rent of the hall, and that it was desirable 
in view of our proposed removal to that neighbor- 
hood to commence Sunday School operations there, 
the " Union Mission School " was taken under our 
jurisdiction, and the teacher's names enrolled as mem- 
bers of the " Association." This school was merged 
into the church school as soon as it was transferred 
to the new building. At the present time we have 
no school operations outside of our church. Since 
occupying this field we have districted the neighbor- 
hood, appointed visiting committees to canvass it 
and procure new scholars, and have tried to have the 
school all that its warmest friends could desire. The 
number of scholars at present enrolled, is 470. 

MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING. 

In April, 1857, the " Association " adopted a reso^ 
lution, providing for the holding of a prayer meeting 
on the first Sabbath afternoon in every month, at the 
close of the regular Sabbath School exercises. This 
time was afterwards named by the " Association," 
as " Missionary Afternoon." "With occasional inter- 
ruptions a prayer meeting has been held on that 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 153 

afternoon since its appointment, and God has often 
blessed it in the way of encouraging the teachers, 
strengthening their faith and converting the scholars. 

LIBRARY. 

We have not been able to discover when and to 
what extent a library was first introduced into the 
Sabbath School. Knowing, however, that it was 
deemed an essential part of a well ordered school in 
the parent Presbyterian Church of the Northern 
Liberties, as early as 1827, we may conclude it was 
provided for at the very beginning of our school ope- 
rations. The first report which we have upon the 
subject, July 5th, 1842, mentions 514 books upon the 
catalogue, but only 311 fit for use. At the present 
time the books are all equal to new in appearance and 
condition, and number 850 volumes. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PAPERS. 

In the year 1849, "The Youth's Penny Gazette," 
a Sunday School paper, was introduced into the 
school, and from that time until the present, some 
paper, previously agreed upon by the " Association," 
has been distributed at least monthly among the 
scholars. At the present time, the larger scholars 



154 HISTORY OF THE 

receive " The Presbyterian Sabbath School Visitor, 55 
published by our own " Board/ 5 and the infant 
scholars, " Morning Light, 55 published by the " Ameri- 
can Tract Society, 55 

REWARDS. 

The system of rewards was introduced into the 
school, in September, 1840. To encourage the 
scholars in punctuality, good behaviour, committing 
to memory verses of scripture, or recitations in the 
catechism, they were promised tickets of red, or blue, 
which had printed upon them a verse or verses of 
scripture, A value was fixed on these tickets, (one 
of red being equal to ten of blue),- and they were 
given to the scholars according to their conduct or 
attainments, as measured by a standard determined 
upon by the " Association. 55 

When a scholar secured a number of these tickets, 
upon returning them, he was entitled to a book, 
worth as much as the tickets, to which also a money 
value had been given. This method of rewarding the 
scholars continued with occasional variations, until 
we entered our new church. 

A system of merit tickets (or merit certificates) 
has since been adopted. On the face of these certifi- 
cates is marked their value — one, jive or ten. The 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 155 

scholars receive these, according as they deserve them, 
for "bringing in new scholars ; punctuality ; regularity; 
recitations in Scriptures, Catechism, $c" A certain 
number of ten merit tickets entitle the holder to 
have his name placed on " The Roll of Honor," or to 
have a "badge" marked "Diligent," "Faithful," 
" Excellent," or " Distinguished," as the case may be. 
Other rewards follow for continuance in well-doing ; 
such as the reception of Bibles or other books ; and 
classes which have attained distinction receive, on 
anniversary day, class banners appropriately marked. 
The Session of the church also encourages the scholars 
in the study of the Shorter Catechism, by giving to 
such as may commit it to memory a copy of the 
Bible. 

The rewarding of scholars for work done during 
the year is a pleasing feature of our anniversary day, 
which is observed on or about the 1st of May in 

every year. 

> 

MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 

In June, 1839, there was formed what was denomi- 
nated " The Sabbath School Juvenile Missionary So- 
ciety." The object of this society was to excite and in- 
crease a missionary spirit among the children. This 



156 HISTORY OF THE 

society, as such, has passed out of existence, but the ob- 
jects and aims for which it was formed are remembered 
and cherished. Looking over the records, we learn 
that at one time the contributions are for a "library," 
to be sent to the Cherokee Mission ; at another, they 
are designed for the education of young men in Con- 
stantinople. Now they go to a needy school in New 
York ; now to one nearer home ; now to a French, 
and now to an Indian missionary. 'Now to the 
home field, and now to the foreign field. Other ob- 
jects than those distinctively missionary are remem- 
bered. Money, at one time, is raised and given for 
the soldiers' orphans at Gettysburg ; at another, for 
the sufferers by the fire at Chicago. The whole field 
for Christian labor and Christian sympathy is kept 
in view, and the children, by monthly or by special 
contributions, do something for the general cause of 
missions, or give their support to some specified 
object. 

To support the school, the scholars and teachers 
contribute monthly to what is known as the " Sun- 
day School Fund." The money received from this 
source is not sufficient for the purpose intended. It 
has always been the effort of the Association to have 
the school perfect in its arrangements and appoint- 
ments. The contributions in the school, over and 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 157 

above what goes to missionary and special purposes, 
are not large enough to meet the requirements of a 
school in these days. Hence we have an annual col- 
lection in the church, on or about the third Sabbath 
in December. This is the only opportunity the con- 
gregation has during the year to give to the Sabbath 
School cause. About the time of this collection, the 
school receives a legacy of $50 from the estate of Mr. 
Benjamin Naglee, its first superintendent. To sup- 
plement these collections, necessity has compelled the 
Association to hold, at different times, concerts, ex- 
hibitions, &c, in order to meet the demands upon its 
treasury. In these several ways the school has not 
only been maintained free from debt, but enabled to 
do a work for others beyond its own sphere. 

Under the direction of Mr. Lewis Davis, Librarian, 
the Library Room in the new church was fitted up 
at an expense of $110, and the money paid from the 
library fund. The table in that room was presented 
by Mr. Geo. D. B. Kelly, 409 Brown street. 

The school became interested in the work of build- 
ing the new church, and gave over and above their 
other contributions towards its completion. Not 
only do we find the "young people" credited with 
an amount towards the " construction fund," but 
mention also is made of special objects. 



158 HISTORY OF THE 

"Calvary Bible Class" gave the window which 
bears its motto, "In Christ's Death we have our 
Life ;" also, the Oxford edition of the Bible, which 
is on the pulpit. 

"Naomi Class" gave the window which bears its 
motto, "May Christ make our Lives Beautiful;" 
also, the table on which to place the baptismal 
bowl. 

" Cross-Bearers' Bible Class" had the communion 
service renovated, and " Lilies of the Valley " Class 
furnished the marker for the pulpit Bible ; while 
both joined with the rest of the classes in giving the 
windows bearing the mottoes, " Here the Cross ; 
Hereafter the Crown;" "Jesus gives Grace and 
Glory." 

The school has often been visited by the Holy 
Spirit, with his convicting and converting power. 
Many of its scholars have become active members of 
the church ; and as its numbers increase, we look for 
a corresponding increase in the membership of the 
church. 

"We regard the Sunday School work of the church 
as the most important which claims our attention. 
Hence we have labored in it, and encouraged others 
to labor. We have been blessed with a faithful 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 159 

corps of teachers, and we have no doubt that many 
will hereafter call them blessed. 

" He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 
seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing 
his sheaves with him" 



THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY. 



11 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 163 



XIII. 
" THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY." 

While it is conceded that the male members of 
every church and congregation should direct its 
affairs, it is a question whether there ever was a 
church building begun, and successfully carried for- 
ward to completion, without the help of ladies. 

As at the first, women brought bracelets, and ear- 
rings, and jewels of gold, for the building of the 
Tabernacle ; so, until the last, when a house is to be 
built unto the Lord, we will find women earnestly 
engaged therein. 

We Presbyterians are not easily carried away with 
the popular clamor of the day, about " Woman's 
Rights ;" but in view of what our ladies have done 
for the church, we concede it as a " right" that their 
work should be historically recorded. 

In the early history of our church, we find- occa- 
sional allusions to " The Mite Society." No definite 
information is given of its organization, or the ex- 
tent of its work. All we know is, that it was under 
the control of the ladies, and the object in view was 
to relieve the corporation of its financial troubles. 



164 HISTORY OF THE 

In January, 1851, there was a vote of thanks ten- 
dered by the Board of Trustees to the ladies, for the 
"liberal and handsome donation of $100 towards 
defraying the expenses incurred in carpeting the 
church," after certain alterations had been made. 

At other times, when the congregation was greatly 
embarrassed, we see mention made of certain ladies 
who came forward and gave liberally towards its 
relief. 

As early as the year 1866, when the subject of our 
removal to another locality began to be agitated, the 
ladies, without waiting for an organization to be 
perfected, made arrangements for the holding of a 
"Fair." 

Without exception, all cheerfully engaged in the 
work. Many, at their own homes, made useful and 
fancy articles ; many interested their friends, in and out 
of the city, to work for them. Times were fixed when, 
as a body, they met at each other's houses to labor 
and consult together, and provide for the successful 
carrying on of the enterprise. 

"When all things were in readiness, the Fair was 
commenced, and continued for several days, in Decem- 
ber, 1866, at the Hall southwest corner of Ninth and 
Spring Garden streets. When it closed there, it was 
with the understanding that it should be continued 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 165 

at some other time in the Lecture Room of the 
church. Here it was opened in June, 1867, and con- 
tinued for several days. 

There being no immediate demand for the money 
thus secured, it was invested in Government bonds, 
until the Fall of 1868, when it was paid over to the 
Board of Trustees as part of w r hat was needed to pur- 
chase our present church site. 

This contribution from the ladies was $1,166.81, 
and was the first available money the church had when it 
determined to move. 

In June, 1869, in order to systematize their work, 
they met at the house of Mrs. Hannah ISTaglee, and 
organized " The Mite Society." Officers were chosen, 
and twenty-four managers were appointed. The spe 
cial duty of these managers was to secure a small 
voluntary contribution, monthly, from every member 
of the church, or from such friends of the church as 
felt disposed to give. Being formed into an orga- 
nized society, the ladies were better enabled to adopt 
other methods for securing funds. They fixed as the 
special object of their labors, " the furnishing of the 
new church." 

Under the auspices of this society, it was deter- 
mined to give a " Supper." Again, it was arranged 
to give the supper in the new church building. We 



166 HISTORY OF THE 

dare say that never did ladies so generally and so 
energetically engage in any undertaking. Evening 
after evening they met, and planned, and prepared to 
provide satisfactorily for a large number of persons ; 
and evenings of planning and preparation were fol- 
lowed by days of " ticket selling." 

February 17th, 1870, was the time fixed upon for 
the supper. When that evening arrived, the crowd 
which filled the building gave evidence that the 
ladies had done their work well. It was estimated 
that at least one thousand persons sat down at the 
tables, and there was a clear gain to the treasury of 
the " Mite Society," by this effort, of $807.02. 

After coming to the new church, other ladies who 
joined our congregation became interested in the 
work, and in November, 1870, a Fair was held for 
some clays in the main audience room, which was 
still in an unfinished condition. At the close of the 
Fair, a supper was given. With the same energy 
which characterized the former effort, the ladies en- 
gaged in this, and increased their treasury $1,375.00. 

In January, 1871, the name of the organization 
was changed ; and with occasional changes in offi- 
cers and managers since, it now exists under the title 
of " The Ladies' Aid Society." Not omitting to col- 
lect monthly from subscribers, the Society, since its 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 167 

formation, has adopted, from time to time, other ex- 
pedients to raise means to carry forward the work 
contemplated. Festivals, Tea Drinkings, Select 
Readings, Public and Parlor Concerts, have been 
resorted to ; and from these various sources more 
than $6,000 have been raised. 

While the ladies have contributed to the Con- 
struction Fund of the church, they have kept in view 
the object they proposed at the beginning, viz. : "the 
furnishing of the church ;" and as a matter of inte- 
rest, as well as of information, since that work is 
one, we itemize the disbursements: 



LECTURE ROOM, 

For Upholstering, - 

u Matting, and putting it down, 

" Pulpit carpets, - 


- $333.99 
221.11 

56,80 



Total,- - - - $611.90 



In addition to this, they received as donations : 

From L H. Wisler, 12 chairs. 

u Wm. R. Stewart, mirror for pastor's study. 
« Wm. Hogg, Jr., carpets for study and class-room. 
« Wm. Sanderson, Sr., furniture for pastor's study. 



168 HISTORY OF THE 

MAIN AUDIENCE ROOM. 

Pulpit furniture, - - '" .* - $647.00 

Carpets, - - - - 968.00 

Matting in vestibules, &c, - - - 408.82 

Upholstering, - 1,251.69 

Total, - - - -$3,270.51 

They received also as donations : 

From Allen & Brother, the boquet table in the pul- 
pit, and 
" E. Dornan, the pulpit mat. 

This showing is surely gratifying ; and may we 
not believe that they who have already accomplished 
so much, with continued determination will accom- 
plish still more ? Many of the ladies have, as indi- 
viduals, been generous contributors, but their joined 
hands enabled them to do a work of which we all 
are justly proud. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 169 



A CLOSING THOUGHT. 



A review of the period since you and I were 
brought together, as pastor and people, compels to 
grateful thanksgiving. 

It is now more than eleven years since, for the 
first time, I occupied your pulpit. It is fast ap- 
proaching that time, since, by Presbyterial action, 
we were joined in our present relation. 

Those years have been fraught with wonder in the 
world. Not to speak of the overturnings beyond the 
seas, we have witnessed the wonder workings of the 
Lord Omnipotent in our own land. * Through the 
fires of war, our country has received a new baptism. 
There have been wonders in the church at large, and 
our own denomination has been surprisingly wrought 
upon. 

No longer does one say, " I am Old School" and 
another, " I am New School" but, without prefix or 



170 HISTORY OF THE 

affix, we delight, in Union, to say, " We are Presby 
terians." 

The preceding pages tell the story of our indi- 
vidual church. 

When we think of the past, and look on the pre- 
sent, in wonderment we ask, " What hath God 
wrought ?" 

Since we first were wedded in this church relation, I 
have wept with you, and you have wept with me, 
over loved ones, snatched from the arms of our earthly 
affection, and together, in our sorrow, have we gone 
and told Jesus. 

The church in heaven is more brilliant, because of 
those we gave it from our church on earth. 

Upon the heads of many, either in infant days or 
adult years, have I sprinkled the waters of baptism, 
and to many have I given the hand of fellowship, as, 
for the first time, they came to the table of the Lord. 

It is pleasing to think that nothing has transpired 
to break the peace which should ever be between 
pastor and people. 

To your kindness, forbearance and charity, under 
God, I must attribute the unbroken harmony which 
has been, and which, I trust, will continue to be. 

Considering the infirmities of our nature, the 
weaknesses and misunderstandings of life, it is a 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 171 

cause of thankfulness to God that he has kept us 
together as one. 

Building a church is the rock x>n which many a 
congregation has split. Yet under great difficulties 
we began, continued, and for more than a year have 
worshipped in the building finished and dedicated, 
and the congregation is intact. 

To the praise of God let it be written, that during 
the whole of our building operations there was no 
jarring and no break in our harmony. While, be- 
cause of our manhood, there were differences of 
opinion, there were no disturbances. There was 
bearing as well as forbearing ; and at any time, from 
the commencement of the work until its close, could 
I have raised my hands over the congregation and 
said, " How sweet and how pleasant it is for you, 
brethren, to dwell together in unity." So may it 

ALWAYS BE SAID. 

Let us labor and serve together, waiting for the 
Master's call, when from the church militant we 
shall rise to the Church Triumphant ; where no fear 
will ever be, of mistakes, misconceptions and misun- 
derstandings, but where, in unbroken unity, we will 
serve God forever and forever. 



ORDER OF EXERCISES 

TOGETHER WITH THE 

FORM USED 

BY THE PASTOR, 



D E DICATION 



NEW CHURCH, 



N. K. CORNER OF 



Franklin and Thompson Streets, 



FEBRUARY 4th, 1872. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 175 



ORDER OF EXERCISES. 



Invocation by the Pastor, 



SINGING THE HYMN. 

Before Jehovah's awful throne, 
Ye nations bow with sacred joy ; 

Know that the Lord is God alone, 
He can create, and he destroy. 

His sov'reign power, without our aid, 
Made us of clay, and form'd us men ; 

And when like wandYing sheep we stray'd, 
He brought us to his fold again. 

We 7 ll crowd thy gates with thankful songs> 
High as the heavens our voices raise ; 

And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, 
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 

Wide as the world is thy command ; 

Vast as eternity thy love ; 
Firm as a rock thy truth shall stand, 

When rolling years shall cease to move. 



176 HISTORY OF THE 

Readmg the 4,8th Psalm. 
By Rev. B. B. Parsons, D.D. 

Prayer, 
By Rev. William Speer, D.D. 

SINGING THE HYMN, 

All hail the power of Jesus' Dame! 

Let angels prostrate fall ; 
Bring forth the royal diadem, 

And crown him Lord of all. 

Sermon, 

By the Pastor, Rev. Jas. Y. Mitchell. 

Text— " What hath God wrought?"— Numbers, xxiii. 23. 

COLLECTION. 

Dedicatory Exercises. 



* The singing was by the congregation, and was led by the Precentor, Wm. H. 
Moyer, and the Organist, Mrs. Eliza McKinley. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 177 

FORM USED AT THE DEDICATION.* 



[After the sermon and collection, the pastor re- 
quested the Elders, Trustees, and heads of families, 
to come forward and arrange themselves in front of 
the pulpit,, and the other members of the congrega- 
gation to rise in their places,] 

The pastor then said : 

According to the notice publicly given, we have 
assembled to day to dedicate this house to the wor- 
ship of the only living and true God — Jehovah, 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now, if it is your 
desire that we should proceed to this service, let the 
Elders and the Trustees, together with all the mem- 
bers of the congregation, declare unto us, and say : 

Have you been moved to the erection of this edi- 
fice by a sincere desire 1# continue among you the 
regular and solemn worship of the Most High God, 
for the spiritual benefit of yourselves and your fami- 
lies, and of this community ? 

Answer. — We have. 

Is it your desire, and your solemn purpose, that 
this edifice shall be a house of worship, and devoted 
sacredly to the ordinances of religion, according to 

* From the Presbyterian Manual. 

12 



178 HISTORY OF THE 

the customs and order of the Presbyterian Church in 
these United States ? % 

Answer. — It is. 

Do you now, with one heart, give up this house to 
God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to be 
henceforth a house of prayer, a temple to his praise ; 
and do you promise to provide for and to maintain 
here religious worship, seeing to it that nothing 
shall be wanting that may be needful for the decency, 
and propriety, and convenience thereof, according to 
the customs and order, as aforesaid, of the Presbyte- 
rian Church ? 

Answer. — We do. 

Blessed be the Lord God, who hath put it into 
your hearts to build this house unto his name. The 
Lord accept the labor of your hands, which you have 
offered unto him this day, and make good to you, 
and to your children after you, the word which he 
hath spoken. "In all places where I record my 
name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." 

Let us pray. 

PRAYER* 

Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which is, 
and was$ and is to come. The whole earth is full of 

* From the " Book of Public Prayer," compiled from the authorized formu- 
laries of worship of the Presbyterian Church, as prepared by the Reformers, 
Calvin, Knox, and other?. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 179 

Thy glory ! Thine, Lord, is the greatness, and the 
power, and the glory, and the victory, and the ma- 
jesty ; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth 
are Thine. Now, therefore, we thank Thee, God f 
and praise Thy glorious Name. 

But who are we, that we should be able to offer 
so willingly after this sort ? For all things come of 
Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee ? O Lord 
our God, all this store that we have prepared, to 
build Thee an house for Thy holy name, cometh of 
Thy hand, as is all Thine own. 

Now behold, Lord our God, and look unto this 
place where we are gathered in Thy name, and have 
respect to the prayer of Thy servants, and to their 
supplication, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer 
that Thy servants pray before Thee this day, to take 
for Thine own this house which we would give 
Thee. 

Lord God, who art frofri everlasting, and whose 
kingdom is without end, Maker of heaven and earth 
and sea, and all that in them is ; King of Kings and 
Lord of Lords, Lawgiver, Defender, and Judge alone, 
to Thee we dedicate it. 

Holy and blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost, three Persons in one God, to Thee we dedi- 
cate it. 



180 HISTORY OF THE 

Father of all who believe in Jesus, and God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, here meet Thou 
with Thy children ; teach them, strengthen them, 
and bless them. To Thee we dedicate it. 

Son of God, the only begotten of the Father, Head 
over all things, the Lord our Righteousness, Saviour, 
Shepherd, High Priest, and Advocate, here draw all 
men unto Thee ; here sprinkle Thy ransomed ones 
with Thine atoning blood ; here make Thy Hock to 
lie down in green pastures, beside the living waters ; 
here be Thou a shadow from the heat and a refuge 
from the tempest ; and while Thy people worship in 
the outer sanctuary, pray for them within the Holiest 
of all. To Thee we dedicate it. 

Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the 
Son, who didst come down upon our Lord Jesus be- 
side Jordan, and upon the Church at the Pentecost. 
Who takest up thine abode in all believers ; Com- 
forter, Inspirer, Sanctifier, here display Thy power, 
succeed Thy truth, give hope to the penitent and 
gladness to the mourner; subdue Thy foes, hallow 
Thy Church, and accomplish all the glory of redemp- 
tion. To Thee we dedicate it. 

Arise, Lord, into Thy rest, Thou and the ark of 
Thy strength. 

But will God in very deed dwell with men on 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 181 

the earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of hea- 
vens cannot contain Thee ; how much less this house 
which we have builded? Yet dwellest Thou also 
with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. 
So be Thine eyes opened toward this house night 
and day ; and toward the place of which Thou hast 
said, My Name shall be there : and hearken Thou 
unto the supplication of Thy servants,' and of Thy 
people Israel, when they shall pray toward this 
place ; and hear Thou in heaven, thy dwelling-place ; 
and when Thou hearest, forgive. Dwell thou with 
us in Thy temple, while we are yet in the world ; 
then take us up to Thy house in heaven, that we 
may dwell with Thee forever. 

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel ; Thou that leadest- 
Joseph like a flock ; Thou that dwellest between the 
Cherubim, shine forth. 

How dreadful is this place ! This is none other 
but the house of God, and this is the gate of 
heaven ! 

After prayer, the congregation sang the hymn : — 

I love thy kingdom, Lord, 

The house of thine abode, 
The church our blest Kedeemer bought 

With his own precious blood. 



182 HXSTOKY OF THE 

I love thy church, O God ! 

Her walls before thee stand. 
Dear as the apple of thine eye. 

And graven on thy hand. 

For her my tears shall fall, 

For her my prayers ascend ; 
To her my cares and toils be given? 

Till toils and cares shall end. 

Beyond my highest joy, 

I prize her heavenly ways, 
Her sweet communion, solemn vowSj, 

Her hymns of love and praise. 

Jesus, thou Friend divine, 

Our Saviour and our King, 
Thy hand from every snare and foe 

Shall great deliverance bring. 

Sure as thy truth shall last, 

To Zion shall be given 
The brightest glories earth can yield, 

And brighter bliss of heaven. 

This was followed by singing the Doxology ; 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow ; 
Praise him all creatures here below y 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host — 
Praise Father,, Son and Holy Ghost, 

After which the congregation was dismissed with 
the Apostolic Benediction by the pastor. 



DIRECTORY. 



" Let all things be done decently and in order." 

i Cor. : xiv. 40. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 185 



CHURCH DIRECTORY. 



RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS. 

Persons are received into the membership of this 
church at any time, by bringing certificates of dismis- 
sion from other churches, or passing a satisfactory 
examination on experimental piety, before the Ses- 
sion of this church. 

The public reception of new members takes place on 
Communion Sabbaths, and immediately before the 
administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper. 

FORM OF RECEPTION. 

[The pastor having stated, that at a meeting of 
the Session, the following persons were received into 
the membership of the church on profession of their 
faith, shall proceed to call their names. Those an- 
swering to the names shall come from their seats 
and arrange themselves in front of the pulpit. While 



186 HISTORY OF THE 

they continue standing, the pastor shall address them 
as follows :] 

In the presence of your Maker, and of this assem- 
bly, you do now appear, desiring, publicly and 
solemnly, to enter into covenant with God and with 
this church, according to the Gospel ; professing your 
full assent to the following summary of faith : 

1. You solemnly and publicly profess your belief 
in one God, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and 
earth, who upholds all things, and orders all events, 
according to his own pleasure, and for his own 
glory. Deut, vi 4. Rev. iv, 11, Jer. x. 10. 1 Cor. 
viii. 4, 6. 

2. You believe that this glorious Being exists in 
three persons — God the Father, God the Son, and 
God the Holy Spirit ; and these three are one, being 
the same in substance, equal in power and glory. 
John i. 1, 14. Acts v. 3, 4. 1 John v. 7. 

3. You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and 
Kew Testaments are given by inspiration of God, 
and are our only rule of faith and practice. 2 Tim. 
iii. 16. Isaiah viiW 20. 2 Peter i. 19, 20, 21. Gal. i. 
8,9. 

4. You believe that God at first created man up- 
right, in the image of God ; that our first parents 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 187 

fell from their original uprightness, and involved 
themselves and their posterity in a state of sin and 
misery. Gen. i. 27. Rom. v. 12, Eph. iv. 24. 

5. You believe that all men, since the fall, are by 
nature depraved, having no conformity of heart to 
God, and being destitute of all moral excellence. 
Gen. vi. 5. Ps. xiv. 2, 3. Rom. iii. 10, 18. 

6. You believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of 
sinners, and the only Mediator between God and 
man. Matt. ix. 13. 1 Tim. ii. 5. 

7. You believe in the necessity of the renewing 
and sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit, and 
that to be happy you must be holy. John iii. 3, 5. 
Titus iii. 5. 

8. You believe that sinners are justified by faith 
alone, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 
Eph. ii. 8. Rom. iii. 24. 

9. You believe that the saints will be kept by the 
mighty power of God, from the dominion of sin, and 
from final condemnation, and at the last day they 
will be raised incorruptible, and be forever happy 
with the Lord. John x. 27, 28, 29. Job xix. 26, 27. 
1 Cor. xv. 51, 54. 

10. You believe the finally impenitent will be 
punished with everlasting destruction from the 



188 HISTORY OF THE 

presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. 
Rev. xxii. 15. Matt. xxv. 46. 

Thus you believe in your heart, and thus you con- 
fess before men. 

[Here the pastor, descending from the pulpit, bap- 
tizes those who have not previously been baptized. 
Returning to the pulpit, he addresses all as fol- 
lows : — ] 

You do now, under this belief of the Christian re- 
ligion, as held in this church, publicly and solemnly 
avouch the Eternal Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost, to be your God and the God of yours ; en- 
gaging to devote yourselves to his fear and service, 
to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments. 
With an humble reliance on his Spirit, you engage 
to live answerably to the profession you now make, 
submitting yourselves to the laws of Christ's kingdom, 
and to that discipline which he has appointed to be 
administered in his church. That you may obtain 
the assistance you need, you engage diligently to 
attend, and carefully to improve, all the ordinances 
he has instituted. 

Thus you covenant, promise and engage, in the 
fear of God, and by the help of his Spirit. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 189 

[The pastor now announces the names of those who 
have been received by certificate from other churches, 
together with the names of the churches from which 
they have been received. As these names are called, 
the persons answering to them rise up in their 
places.] 

The pastor then requests all the members of the 
church to rise and sing : — 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow ; 
Praise him all creatures here below ; 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 

[After the singing, the pastor says : — ] 

In consequence of your professions and promises, 
and by reason of your coming to us from s ster churches, 
we affectionately receive you as members of this 
church, and in the name of Christ declare you enti- 
tled to all its visible privileges. 

We welcome you to this fellowship with us in the 
blessings of the gospel, and on our part engage to 
watch over you, and to seek your edification, as long 
as you shall continue among us. Should you have 
occasion to remove, it will be your duty to seek, and 
ours to grant, a recommendation to another church ; 
for hereafter you cannot withdraw from the watch 



190 HISTORY OF THE 

and communion of the saints without a breach of 
covenant. 

The people here join in singing : 

Blest be the tie that binds 

Our hearts in Christian love; 
The fellowship of kindred minds 

Is like to that above. 

Before our Father's throne 

We pour our ardent prayers ; 
Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one ; 

Our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 

Our mutual burdens bear; 
A nd often for each other flows 

The sympathizing tear. 

When we asunder part, 

It gives us inward pain : 
But we shall still be joined in heart, 

And hope to meet again. 

[After the singing, the pastor concludes these exer- 
cises with the following benediction : ] 

May the Lord support and guide you through a 
transitory life ; and, after this warfare is accom- 
plished, receive you all to that blessed church, where 
our love shall be forever perfect, and our joy forever 
full. Amen. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 191 



BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. 

While, for good and sufficient reasons, parents may 
have their children baptized at home, the nature of 
the sacrament itself, and the new and peculiar rela- 
tions to the church into which children are brought 
by its administration, make it desirable that, as a 
rule, children should be baptized publicly, in the 
presence of the church. 

Parents may have their children baptized on any 
Sabbath, provided they have given notice to the pas- 
tor, or some member of the Session, some time pre- 
vious to the day on which they desire the sacrament 
to be administered. 

The established custom of this church is, for the 
pastor to announce from the pulpit, at least two 
weeks before the time, that parents having children 
unbaptized are requested to bring them forward for 
baptism on the approaching Communion Sabbath. 

Parents should consider it their duty to furnish the 
pastor with the names of their children, dates when 
they were born, and the parents' names, prior to the 
administration of the sacrament, in order that they 
may be recorded in the church books. 



192 HISTORY OF THE 



FORM USED AT THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. 

[When the sacramental season has arrived, at the 
time designated in the " Order of Worship for 
Communion Sabbaths." the pastor shall make a brief 
address touching the nature and design of the sacra- 
ment.] 

[After the address, the congregation shall sing a 
hymn appropriate to the occasion.] 

[During the singing of the last verse of the hymn, 
the parents, bringing their unbaptized children with 
them, come forward and stand in front of the 
pulpit.] 

When the singing is concluded, the pastor shall 
say:— 

Baptism was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the great Head of the Church, to be a seal of the 
covenant of grace, and the ordinance of admission to 
a visible standing in his church. 

The water in this ordinance implies guilt and pol- 
lution, and represents to us justification by the blood 
of Christ, and regeneration and sanctification by his 
Spirit. 

But you are not to conclude that this, or any out- 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 193 

ward ordinance whatever, will be sufficient for the 
salvation of the souL 

It is the blood of Christ alone that cleanseth from 
all sin ; and to this you are exhorted ever to look 
for your own salvation and that of your children. 

If it should please God to spare your lives, and the 
lives of your children, until tliey come to years capa- 
ble of receiving instruction, it will be your duty to 
teach them, or cause them to be taught, to read God's 
holy word ; to instruct them in the great principles 
of the Christian religion ; to pray for them and with 
them ; to set an example of piety and godliness be- 
fore them ; and, by all the means of God's appoint- 
ment , to bring them up in the nurture and admoni- 
tion of the Lord, 

These duties, and whatever you are convinced, or 
shall be convinced, from the Word of God, to be 
binding on you as Christian parents, you do promise 
and covenant, in the presence of God and his church, 
that, as He shall give you strength, you will endea- 
vor to perform and do. 

[Upon the conclusion of this address, and after the 
parents have covenanted to perform the duties en- 
joined, the whole congregation shall rise, and be led 

13 



194 HISTORY OF THE 

in prayer by the pastor,- for the parents and children,* 
thus solemnly Brought before themj 

THE CHILDREN SHALL NOW BE BAPTIZED. 

[After the baptism, the pastor shall again lead the- 
congregation in prayer, remembering not only those- 
already mentioned, but all the baptized children of 
the church, together with their parents*} 

This prayer concludes the solemn and impressive 
service. 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

The seasons of sacramental communion occur in 
the morning of the second Sabbath in the months of 
January, April, July, and October, 

A lecture, or sermon, preparatory to the Commu- 
nion season, is delivered on the Friday evening next 
preceding each Sacramental Sabbath. 

No trifling excuse should prevent any member of 
the church from attending this service. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 195 

ORDER OF WORSHIP 
For Sabbath Mornings and Evenings. 



INVOCATION.* 

Concluding with the Lord's Prayer. 

Singing. 

Reading the Scriptures. 

Prayer.f 

Singing. 

COLLECTION. 

Reading Pulpit Notices. 

Sermon. 

Prayer. 

Singing. 
( The congregation standing.} 

BENEDICTION. 



* The Invocation is omitted in the evening, 
f The congregation stands during prayer. 



198 HISTORY OF THK 

ORDER OF WORSHIP 

For Communion Sabbaths-- 



INVOCATION, 

Baptism of Children. 
Singing. 
Prayer. 



Singing. 



Collection for the Sessional and Poor Funds of the Church, 

Reading Pulpit Notices. 

Reading the Scriptures. 

Sacramental Address, 

Invitation to Visiting Christians to Commune with us. 

Reception of New Members. 

Singing the Hymn : 

7 Twas on that dark and doleful night, 
When powers of earth and hell arose 

Against the Son of God's delight, 

And friends betrayed him to his foes% 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN €HTTRCH, T97 

Before the mournful scene began, 

He took the bread, and blessed, and brake ; 

What loye through all his actions ran! 
What wondrous words of grace he sjmkeJ 

<( This is my body, broke for sin, 

Receive and eat the living food ;" 
Then took the cup and blessed the wine — 

" 'Tis the new covenant of my blood.' 9 

44 Do this," he cried, " till time shall end^ 
In memory of your dying -Friend, 
Meet at my table and record 
The love ef your departed Lord," 

Jesus, thy feast we celebrate, 

We show thy death, we sing thy name, 

Till thou return, and we shall eat 
The marriage supper of the Lamb. 

[During the singing of this hymn, the pastor and 
elders take their seats in front of the congregation, 
and near the communion table.] 



Administration of the Sacrament. 
Singing. 

BENEDICTION. 



198 HISTOEY OF THB 



WEEKLY MEETINGS. 

There is a stated weekly Lecture on "Wednesday 
evening, in the Lecture Room, 

A weekly Congregational Prayer Meeting is held 
on Friday evening, in the Lecture Room, 

The Sabbath School meets every Sabbath after- 
noon. Unless by direction of the Sabbath School 
Association, its meetings are ordered to be held on 
Sabbath mornings during the warm months of 
summer. 



MONTHLY MEETINGS. 

The Board of Trustees meets on the second Mon- 
day night in every month. 

The Sabbath School Association meets on the 
fourth Monday night in every month- 



rEMPLl PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 199 

MEETINGS OF SESSION. 

'The first Monday night in every montli, is the 
time for the monthly meeting of the Session. 

Frequent meetings of the Session are held previous 
#o every Communion Season, of which due notice is 
.given from th^ pulpit on the Sabbath preceding. 

Certificates of Dismissioh to other churches are 
•granted by the Session of the church. Application 
for them should be made at least one week before the 
time they are required. No certificate will be granted 
*o a person who is in arrears for pew rent or other 
money obligation to the church, unless the Session is 
satisfied that the arrearage is unavoidable, and the 
reason given will be perfectly satisfactory to the 
Board of Trustees. 



ANNUAL MEETING. 



The annual meeting of the congregation, for the 
election of Trustees, and the transaction of other 
business appertaining to the temporal interests of 
#he church, is held on the second Monday night of 
January in each year. 



200 



HISTORY OF THE 



FORMER ELDERS. 



Benjamtn Naglee, Deceased 
Charles Elliot, " 

John A. Stewart, " 

Isaac Ashmead, u 

Wm. T. Donaldson, " 

Samuel T. Bodine, 



b. d. stewart, 

Wm. Sanderson, 

PL H. Shillingford, 

George C. Bower, 
James Neely, 



Elder now in the Second Presby- 
terian Church, Gerraantown. 

Elder now in the North Broad St, 
Presbyterian Church. 

Elder now in the Woodland Pres- 
byterian Church. 

Elder now in Spring Garden Pres- 
byterian Church. 

Ceased to act. 

Bethesda Presbyterian Church. 



PRESENT ELDERS. 

Joseph Aitken, Abner Lincoln, 
Joseph F. Jaggers. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 201 

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

The list here given shows the regular succession in 
the Board of Trustees from the time the charter was 
granted until the present time. 

The dates indicate the time of the election. All 
elections by the congregation were, and still are, for 
three years, unless it is specially named that the per- 
son was elected in . the place of one resigned, when 
the election was for an unexpired term. 

"Where there is a *, it shows that the election was 
by the Board of Trustees, and the person so elected was 
to fill the unexpired term of the one resigning. 

TRUSTEES UNDER THE CHARTER. 

To serve until the second Monday in January, 1837. 

Benjamin Naglee, Charles Elliot, 

John A. Setwart. 

To serve until the second Monday in January, 1838. 

Edward Patteson, Casper Yeager, 

Peter Mintzer. 

To serve until the second Monday in January, 1839. 

Joseph Pond, Joseph Naglee, 

John G. Flegel. 



202 BISTOBY t)tf THE 

ELECTIONS UNDER THE CHARTED 

January §th, 1837. 

Benjamin Naglee, Charles Elliot, 

John A. Stewart 

January 8th, 1838. 

Wm, P, Aitken, John T. Smith, 

Charlf s 0. Aitken, 

Edward Patteson, vice Joseph Naglee, resigned* 

January 1 6 th, 1839. 

•Joseph Pond, Jx>hn {*. Fkgel^ 

Edward Patteson, 

January 14th, 1840. 

Samuel T. Bodine, John A. Warner. 

Wm. A. McKee. 

*John A. Stewart,, vice John G. Flegel, resigned.* 

January llth y 184L 

Wm, T, Donaldson, Elihu D Tarr, 

Wm. P, Aitken> 

January MMft, 1842. 

•Joseph Pond, Wm. Sanderson-, 

Edward Patteson. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAK CHURCH. 203 

January 17th, 1842. 
^Benedict D. Stewart, vice Joseph Pond, resigned. 

January 16th, 1843. 

James Morrell, Samuel Grice, 

G. 0- Bower. 

C. B. Dungan, vice Edward Patteson, resigned. 

January 26th, 1843. 
*S. T. Bodine, vice James Morrell, resigned. 

February 28th, 18 43. 
*John T. Smith, vice S. T. Bodine, resigned. 

June 6th, 1843. 
*J. G. Flegel, vice C. B. Dungan, resigned. 

January 8th, 1844. 

Edward Patteson, S. T. Bodine, 

Thomas Beaver. 

James Morrell, vice J. T. Smith, resigned* 

April 13th, 1844. 
* Jonathan Leidigh, vice B. IX Stewart, resigned. 



204 HISTORY OF THE 

January lZth, 1845. 

George W. Morse, Wm. A. McKee, 

Augustus H. Raiguel. 

January 12th, 1846. 

James Morrell, James Taylor, 

Thomas Potter, 

January 11th, 1847. 
Joseph Aitken, Henry Davis, 

William Sanderson. 
Budd S. Bodine, vice James Taylor, resigned. 
Robert M. Foust, vice Geo. W. Morse, " 

August 11th, 1847. 
^Thomas Beaver, vice B. S. Bodine, resigned* 

October 9th, 1847. 
*B. D. Stewart, vice R. M. Foust, resigned. 

January 11th, 1848. 

Benedict D. Stewart, William A. McKee, 

William P. Eckhardt. 

January 8th, 1849. 

John T. Smith, Thomas Beaver, 

Robert M. Foust. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 205 

February 10th, 1849. 
*Elihu D. Tarr, vice John T. Smith, resigned. 

January 14th, 1850. 

Joseph Aitken, Augustus H. Raiguel, 

Henry Davis. 
Wm. Sanderson, vice Wm. A. McKee, resigned. 

April 13th, 1850. 
A. H. Campbell, vice Thomas Beaver, resigned. 

January 13th, 1851. 

B. D. Stewart, William Sanderson, 

G. C. Bower. 

September 14th y 1851. 
*Wm. B. Elliot, vice A. H. Raiguel, resigned. 

January 12th, 1852. 

*A. H. Campbell, R. M. Foust, 

Cyrus C. Moore. 

January 10th, 1853. 

J. Austin Spencer, William F. Smith, 

H. H. Shillingford. 



206 HISTOET OF THE 

October Ibth, 1853. 

* John Snyder, vice A. H. Campbell, resigned. 

January 9th, 1854. 
B. D. Stewart, H. Davis, 

John T. Smith. 
Edward Patteson, vice Wm. F. Smith, resigned. 
Joseph Aitken, vice C. C. Moore, " 

January 8th, 1855. 

John Snyder, Samuel B. Grice, 

William B. Elliot. 

January 14th, 1856. 
S. T. Bodine, William Sanderson, 

Edward Patteson. 

January 26th, 1857. 

John T. Smith, Thomas Cunningham, 

B. D. Stewart. 

January 11th, 1858. 

G. C. Bower, H. H. Shillingford, 

John Snyder. 

May 10th, 1858. 
*Wm. Seeley, vice John Snyder, resigned. 

* Samuel Grice, vice H. H. Shillingford, res'd. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 20T 

October 11^,1858. 
*Benj. C. Naglee, vice Samuel B. Grice„ res*d. 

February 9th, 1859. 

Edward Patteson, William Sanderson, 

S. L. Kirk. 

R. S. Bower, vice J. T. Smith, resigned. 

January 9th, 1860. 

Kobert Aitken, George W. Hart, 

William M. Weekerly. 

January l^th, 1861. 
William Seeley, William B. Elliot, 

William R. Bald. 
Geo. W. Grice, vice Edward Patteson, resigned. 

February 11th, 1861. 
*Samuel Bradbury, vice S. L. Kirk, resigned. 

January ISth, 1862. 
William Sanderson, James M. Lamon, 

Abner Lincoln. 
Samuel Bradbury, vice Wm. M. Weekerly, res r d. 

January 12th, 1863. 

Robert Aitken, S. L. Kirk ? 

Samuel Bradbury. 



208 HISTORY OF THE 

January 11th, 1864. 

William Seeley, William R. Bald, 

William R. Stewart. 

October 10th, 1864. 
*Wm. B. Elliot, vice Wm. R. Stewart, res'd. 

January 9th, 1865. 

William Sanderson, Abner Lincoln, 

James M. Lam on. 

January 8th, 1866. 

S. Bradbury, R. Aitken. 

S. L. Kirk. 
D. C. Golden, vice Wm. B. Elliot, resigned. 

January \Ath, 1867. 

William R. Bald, William R. Stewart, 

Ansel Collins. 
Wm. Seely, vice Wm. Sanderson, resigned. 
D. C. Golden, vice James M. Lamon, resigned. 

January IZth, 1S68. 

William Seely, A. Lincoln, 

D. C. Golden. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 2Q9 

November Qth, 1868. 
^Joseph F. Jaggers, vice D. C. Golden, resigned- 
January 27th, 1869. 
S. L. Kirk, Robert Aitken, 

S. Bradbury. 

January 10th, 1870. 

Lewis Davis, J. H. Workman, 

William R. Bald. 

January Mh, 1871. 
Jacob Knight, J. P. Curran, M. D., 

Abner Lincoln. 
Robert Dornan, vice J. H. Workman, resigned, 
B. C. Snowden, M. D., vice Robert Aitken, " 

January 8th, 1872, 

Samuel Bradbury, S. L. Kirk, 

Conrad B. Day. 

January 13th, 1873. 

Samuel H. Davis, Robert Dornan, 

Lewis Davis. 

In addition to the above, at this meeting there 
were elected under the amended Charter (which 

14 



210 HISTORY Off TEE 

provided for 15 persons in the Board, instead of 9} 
the following persons ; 

John Dickey, f 

< To serve for 3 years. 



I. IL Wisler, 

Isaiah Davis, 
Wm, M. Cramp, 



\ To serve for 2 years, 
y I 



W. S. Wilson, f 

< To serve for 1 year. 



T. W. Wolf. 



April Uth, 1873. 
*Wm. R. Stewart, vice S. Bradbury, resigned. 
* Joseph W. Golden, vice W. S. Wilson, resigned. 

May 12th, 1873. 
Robert Aitken, vice John Dickey, resigned. 



PRESENT ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF 
TRUSTEES. 

President, 
Abner Lincoln. 

Secretary, Treasurer, 

Lewis Davis. S. L. Kirk. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTEBIAN CHURCH, 



211 



Pew Agent, 
Isaiah Davis, 



Jacob Knight, 
Conrad B. Day, 
Robert Dornan, 
I. H. Wisler, 
T. W, Wolf, 



J. P. Curran, M. IX, 
Samuel H. Davis, 
William M. Cramp, 
Joseph W. Golden, 
Robert Aitken, 



William R. Stewart 



FORMER SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE MAIN 
SUNDAY SCHOOL, 



Benjamin Naglee, 

C. B. Dungan, 
Wm. T. Donaldson, 
B. D. Stewart, 
David McClure, 

E. M. Gregory, 

D. C. Golden, 
Robert Aitken, 



Edward Patteson, 
William A. McKee, 
Thomas Potter, 
Isaac Ashmead, 
Joseph Aitken, 
George W, Grice, 
S. L. Kirk, 
S. H. Jenkins. 



FORMER SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE INFANT 
SCHOOL. 

Ann E. Reynolds, Mrs. J. W, Wilson, 

Lizzie W. Hall. 



212 HISTORY OF THE 

PRESENT ORGANIZATION OF THE SUNDAY 
SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 

President, 
D. C. Golden. 

Vice President, Secretary, 

Abner Lincoln. Wm. P. White, 

Treasurer, 
Robert Aitken. 

Main School Superintendent, 
James Y. Mitchell. 

Assistant Superintendent, 
Wm. M. Clark. 

Secretaries, 
Thomas Gillam, William S. Golden. 

Librarian, 
William P. White. 

Assistants, 
Frank P. Webb, George H. Barrow. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



213 



Teachers. 



Tillie Snyder, 
Flora E. Lincoln, 
Maggie Solliday, 
Hannah Davis, 
Laura Curran, 
Carrie Grim, 
Hannah Golden, 
Beckie McManes, 
Sal lie M. Horn, 
Ella Ely, 
J. L. Sax ton, 
Wm, R. Stewart, 
S. L. Kirk, 
George W. Golden, 
Theo. R. White, 
W. M. Read, 
Lewis Davis, 

Theo. 



Rosa Fronefield, 
Fanny Fay, 
Mattie Jaggers, 
Addie Ely, 
Susan McFarland, 
Mary S. Rainier, 
Lillie R. Aitken, 
Jennie V. Davis, 
Sallie Shaw, 
Annie Kirk, 
Haddie E. Gray, 
Robert Aitken, 
A. Lincoln, 
T. W. Wolf, 
Thomas Summerville, 
Joseph Aitken, 
William A. Bosler, 
F. Read. 



Superintendent of the Infant School, 
Joseph W. Golden. 



Assistants, 

Sadie E. Campbell, Annie C. Skinner, 

Ella G. Graeff. 



214 



HISTORY OF THE 



NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SEXTONS 
IN THIS CHURCH. 

[The date indicates the time when their services began-J 

Appointed by the Association. 
Nicholas Helverson. 



Elected by the 
B. Vickery, - 
Budd S. Bodine, 
George Adams, 
George Beecher, 
D. Richardson, 
George Beecher, 
Enoch May hew, 
James Crawford, 
John Springer, 



Board of Trustees. 

- September 20th, 1836; 

- January 26th, 1843. 

- December 16th, 1844. 

- May 19th, 1845. 

- October 19th, 1846. 

- May 8th, 1847. 

- June 12th, 1847. 

~ October 8th, 1855. 

- October 1st, 1862. 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 



TEMPLE* PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 217 



CONSTITUTION 



THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 



NORTHERN LIBERTIES, PHILADELPHIA. 



Preamble. 
We, the subscribers, citizens of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, and members of the Society of Pres- 
byterians of the said church, worshipping God* in the 
new church on Coates street, between Third and 
Fourth streets, in the Northern Liberties aforesaid, 
having some time since associated as a congregation 
for religious purposes, and being desirous to acquire 
and enjoy the powers and immunities of a corpora- 
tion or body politic in law, have adopted the follow- 
ing constitution : 

Article I. 
The name style and title of the Society shall be, 
"The Trustees of the Central Presbyterian Church in 
the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia." 



218 HISTORY OF THE 

Article II. 

The affairs of the said corporation shall be con- 
ducted by nine Trustees, three of whom shall be 
elected annually on the second Monday in January 
in each and every year hereafter, to serve for three 
years, or until others are elected ; of which election 
notice shall be given in the church on the previous 
Sabbath. But in case it should happen that an elec 
tion of Trustees should not be made as aforesaid, the 
corporation shall not for that cause be deemed to be 
dissolved ; and it shall be lawful, on any day within 
sixty days thereafter, notice having been given as 
aforesaid, to hold and make an election of Trustees as 
aforesaid. And in case of any Trustee's death, resig- 
nation or removal, his place may be filled for the 
remainder of his term in such manner as the ordi- 
nances or by-laws of the said Trustees shall for that 
purpose direct. 

Article III. 

The present Trustees of the said Society shall con- 
tinue in office as follows, to wit : Benjamin Naglee, 
Charles Elliot, and John A. Stewart, until the second 
Monday in January, Anno Domini 1837 ; Edward 
Patteson, Casper Yeager, and Peter Mintzer, until 
the second Monday in January, Anno Domini 1838 ; 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 219 

and Joseph Pond, Joseph Naglee, and John Gf. Flegel, 
until the second Monday in January, Anno Domini 
1839, or until others shall be elected as aforesaid. 

Article IV. 
The officers of the Board of Trustees shall consist 
of a President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Trea- 
surer may be elected from among the members of the 
Society who are not members of the Board of Trus- 
tees — all of whom shall be citizens of Pennsylvania. 

Article V, 

The qualifications of both the electors and Trustees 
of the said society shall be, that such persons shall 
have been members of the Society for six months at 
least previous to such election ; and shall have paid 
six months' rent for a pew or part of a pew within 
the said church, and shall not be in arrears for 
more than one years' rent at the time of such 
election, and be of the age of twenty-one years or 
upwards, and citizens of this Commonwealth. 

Article VI. 

The said corporation shall not engage in any way 
not authorized by the ordinary usage and practice of 
said Society, whereby the said society may or shall, 



220 HISTORY OF THE 

on any one occasion, be involved in an expense of 
three hundred dollars or upwards, without having 
obtained the concurrence of at least seven of the 
Trustees. 

Article VII. 

The clear rents and profits of the real estate of the 
said Society, and the interest and dividends of their 
money, stock, and other personal estate, shall not 
exceed two thousand dollars per annum. 

Article VIII. 

By-laws not repugnant to the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, to the Constitution and 
laws of this Commonwealth, or to this instrument, 
may be passed by a majority of the said Trustees at 
any meeting. 

Benjamin Naglee, Peter Mintzer, 
Charles Elliot, Joseph Pond, 

John A. Stewart, Joseph Naglee, 
Edward Patteson, John G. Flegel, 
Casper Yeager. 

PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY, 1836. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 221 

To the Supreme Court of the 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

I, James Todd, Attorney General of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify, that I 
have perused and examined the above written instru- 
ment, and am of opinion that the objects, articles and 
conditions therein set forth and contained, are lawful. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, 
at Philadelphia, the sixteenth day of March, Anno 
Domini 1836. James Todd. 



To His Excellency, the Governor 

of the CjnimonweaUh of Pennsylvania. 
We, the Justices of the Supreme Court of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, certify that having 
perused and examined the above written instru- 
ment, concur in opinion with the Attorney Gene- 
ral, that the objects, articles and conditions therein 
set forth and contained, are lawful. 

Witness our hands, at Philadelphia, the twenty- 
third day of April, Anno Domini 1836. 

John B. Gibson, 
Molton C. Rogers, 
John Kennedy. 



222 HISTORY OF THE 

I, Henry Witmer, Prothonotary of the Supreme 
Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, do 
hereby certify, that the above written instrument or 
Charter of Incorporation, was duly presented to the 
Justices of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, agreeably to the rule of Court in 
such cases made and provided, and by them duly 
allowed, as in their certificate set forth. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, at Phila- 
delphia, this twenty-fifth day of April, Anno Domini 

1836. 

[seal.] Henry Witmer. 

Pennsylvania, ss. 

In the name and by the authority of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, Joseph Ritner, Governor of 
the said Commonwealth, to Thomas H. Burro wes, 
Esquire, Secretary of the said Commonwealth, sends 
greeting : 

Whereas, it has been duly certified to 
' me, by James Todd, Attorney General of 
the said Commonwealth, and by John B. Gibson, 
Esq., Chief Justice, Molton C. Rogers and John Ken- 
nedy, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania, that they have respectively perused 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 223 

and examined the above act or instrument for the 
incorporation of " The Trustees of the Central Pres- 
byterian Church in the Northern Liberties, Philadel- 
phia/' and that they concur in opinion that the ob- 
jects, articles and conditions therein set forth and 
contained are lawful ; Now, know you, that in pur- 
suance of an act of the General Assembly, passed the 
sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand seven hundred and ninety-one, entitled " An act 
to confer on certain associations of the citizens of this 
Commonwealth the powers and immunities of corpo- 
rations or bodies politic in law ;" and a supplement 
to the same, passed the eighth day of April, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
thirty-three, I have transmitted the said act or in- 
strument of incorporation unto you, the said Thomas 
H. Burrowes, Secretary of the said Commonwealth 
hereby requiring you to enroll the same, at the ex- 
pense of the applicant, to the intent that, according to 
the objects, articles and conditions therein set forth 
and contained, the parties may become and be a cor- 
poration and body politic in law and in fact, to have 
continuance by the name, style and title in the said 
instrument provided and declared. 

Given under my hand and the great seal of the 
State, at Harrisburg, this eighth day of July, in the 



224 HISTORY OF THE 

year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 

thirty-six, and of the Commonwealth the sixty-first. 

By the Governor, 

Thomas H. Burrowes, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
Secretary's Office. 
Enrolled in Charter Book £To. 6, page 15, containing 
a record of acts incorporating sundry literary, chari- 
table and religious institutions. 

Witness my hand and seal of office, at Har- 
risburg, this eighth day of July, in the 
[seal.] year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- 
dred and thirty-six, and of the Common- 
wealth the sixty-first. 

Thomas H. Burrowes, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth . 



X 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 225 



AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE VI. 



Agreeably to a vote of the congregation, given 
January 20th, 1851, the following amendment to the 
6th Article of the Constitution was presented to a 
Court of Common Pleas, held January 30, 1852 : 

Article VI. 

" That the Board of Trustees shall not have power 
to purchase or sell any real estate, or to incumber 
any real estate already vested in the corporation, or 
to incur any liability exceeding in amount the sum 
of three hundred dollars, unless a resolution autho- 
rizing such purchase, sale or incumbrance shall have 
been first submitted to the congregation, at the 
regular annual meeting thereof, or at a special meet- 
ing duly convened for that purpose, when a vote of 
a majority of the members present shall be necessary 
to pass such resolution ; excepting in all cases the 

current expenses of the corporation." 

15 



226 HISTORY OF THE" 

On motion of J. Austin Spencer, Esq., the Court; 
ordered that the said instrument be filed, and that 
notice of the said application be published according 
to law. 

On the 3d day of March, 1852, due proof having 
been exhibited of said publication, and the Court 
having examined the said instrument of writing, and 
the objects, articles and conditions therein contained 
appearing to be lawful, and no cause being shown to 
the contrary, did decree and declare, that "the same 
shall be deemed and taken to be a part of the instru- 
ment upon which the said coqDoration was formed 
and established, to all intents and purposes, as if the 
same had originally been made part thereof; and 
further, did direct that the said alteration or amend- 
ment shall be recorded in the Office for Recording 
deeds, &c, for the City and County of Philadelphia. " 

The amendment was recorded in the Office for 
Recording of Deeds, &c, for the City and County of 
Philadelphia, March 8th, 1852, in Miscellaneous 
Book, G W C, No. 1, page 350. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 227 



AMENDMENTS OF ARTICLES 1. AND II. 



Agreeably to the votes of the congregation, given 
at meetings held January 8th and March 28th, 1872, 
the following change of name, amendments and alte- 
rations to Articles I. and II. of the Constitution were 
presented to the Court of Common Pleas for the City 
and County of Philadelphia, to wit : 

That Articles I. and II. be amended so as to read 
as follows : 

Article I. 

That the name style and title of the Society shall 
be, " Temple Presbyterian Church." 

Article II 

The affairs of the said corporation shall be conducted 
by fifteen Trustees ; five of whom shall be elected 
annually on the second Monday in January in each 
and every year hereafter, to serve for three years, or 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

until others are elected, of which election notice shall 
be given in the church on the previous Sabbath. 
But in case it should happen that an election of 
Trustees should not be made as aforesaid, the corpo- 
ration shall not for that cause be deemed to be dis- 
solved ; and it shall be lawful, on any day within 
sixty days thereafter, notice having been given as 
aforesaid, to hold and make an election of Trustees 
as aforesaid. Provided, however, That the six addi- 
tional Trustees required by this amendment shall be 
elected at the election in January, 1873, two of them 
to serve for one year, two of them for two, and two 
for three years. And in case of any Trustee's death, 
resignation or removal, his place shall be tilled for 
the remainder of his term in such manner as the 
ordinances or by-laws of said Trustees shall direct." 

The Court heard the petitioners on November 8th, 
1872, when, on motion of J. Austin Spencer, Esq., 
the Court ordered the instrument to be filed, and 
that notice of said application be published according 
to law. 

On December 2d, 1872, due proof having been ex- 
hibited of such publication, and it appearing that 
notice of the intended change of name had been 
given to the Auditor General, and the Court having 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 229 

examined the said instrument of writing, and the 
objects, articles and conditions therein contained ap- 
pearing to be lawful, and no cause being shown to 
the contrary, did decree and declare, u that the name, 
style and title of said corporation be changed to that 
of "Temple Presbyterian Church;" that the first and 
second Articles of the Charter of Incorporation, of 
the said corporation, shall be altered and amended, 
according as the same is herein specified and set 
forth ; so that the same shall be deemed and taken 
to be part of the instrument upon which the said 
-corporation was formed and established to all intents 
and purposes, as if the same had originally been made 
part thereof. And did further direct and decree, 
that the said alteration and amendment be recorded 
in the Office for the Recording of Deeds, &c,, for the 
City and County of Philadelphia," 

• 
Recorded in the Office for the Recording of Deeds, 

«&c., for the City and County of Philadelphia, in Mis- 
cellaneous Book F T "W, No, 1, page 67. 



230 HISTORY OF THE 



BY-LAWS 

OF 

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

ADOPTED MAY 12, 1873. 



Article I. 

Meetings. 

Sec. 1. The Stated Meetings of the Board shall be 
held as follows : One for the organization of the new 
Board, within ten days after the election, and on the 
second Monday evening of each month in the year. 
The hour of meeting shall be, from April till Sep- 
tember, at 8 o'clock ; and September to April, 7 \ 
o'clock. Eight members shall constitute a quorum 
to transact business. 

Sec. 2. Special Meetings shall be called by the 
President, at the written request of five members ; 
the object of the meeting shall be stated in the no- 
tices to be issued by the Secretary. 

Sec. 3. No business shall be transacted at a Special 
Meeting, except that for which such meeting is spe- 
cially called. 



"fEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 231 

Article II. 

Order of Business* 

1. Prayer. 

2. Roll Call 

3. Reading of Minutes, 

4. Reports of Officers. 

5. Reports of Committees. 

6. Unfinished Business. 
!7. New Business. 

Article IIL 

Officers of the Board. 

Sec. 1. The Officers of the Board shall be a Presi- 
dent, Secretary, Treasurer, and Pew Agent, who shall 
be elected by ballot annually, and continue in office 
until their successors are elected. 

Sec. 2. The President (or, in his absence, the Pre- 
sident pro tern.) shall preside at all meetings of the 
Board. He shall have the custody of the Charter of the 
church, sign all orders drawn upon the Treasurer 
and attested by the Secretary, appoint all committees 
not otherwise ordered, and perform the duties usually 
appertaining to his office. 

Sec 3. The Secretary shall keep regular and cor- 
rect minutes of the proceedings of the Board ; notify 



232 HISTORY OF THE 

them, in writing, of the time and place of meetings : 
attest all orders drawn upon the Treasurer; take 
charge of the seal and papers belonging to the corpo- 
ration ; furnish the chairman of each committee with 
a list of its members, and perform the usual duties 
of a Secretary. 

Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall have charge and keep 
a correct account of the funds of the Corporation ; pay 
no moneys but on orders properly attested, except the 
Pastor, Sexton, Choristers and Organist's salaries, 
and gas bills as they become due. He shall report the 
condition of the Treasury, monthly, and present to 
the Board, annually, in January, a statement of the 
receipts and expenditures for the past year, the same 
to be read before the corporation at their annual 
meeting. He shall deliver to his successors all mo- 
neys and papers in his possession belonging to the 
Corporation. 

Sec. 5. The Pew Agent shall take charge of the 
Pew Books, rent pews and sittings, keep a correct 
account of all moneys collected, and pay the same to 
the Treasurer forthwith, taking his receipt therefor. 
He shall make quarterly reports to the Board of the 
amount collected, and also of delinquent Pew Ren- 
ters, and the annual value of the pews rented. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 233 

Article IV. 
Pew Rents. 

Sec. 1. The pew rents shall be paid quarterly in 
advance, on the first day of January, April, July and 
October ; and it shall be the duty of the Pew Agent 
to attend in the church to receive the pew rents, no- 
tice of such sitting having been previously read from 
the pulpit. 

Sec. 2. When any person shall become indebted 
for three-quarters pew rent, the Pew Committee 
may place the same in the hands of a collector, and 
the cost of collection shall be added to the pew rent* 

Article V» 

Standing Committees* 

Sec. 1. The Standing Committees of the Board 
shall be appointed annually, at the first Stated Meet- 
ing after the election of Trustees, and shall consist 
as follows : 

Sec. 2. A Committee on Real Estate, consisting of 
three members, whose duty shall be to superintend 
and keep in good repair, the real estate and personal 
property which may be under the care of the Board* 
They shall not authorize any repairs that shall ex- 
ceed the sum of fifty dollars, without first obtaining 
the approval of the Board. 



234 HISTORY OF THE 

Sec, 3. A Committee on Pews, consisting of three 
members, one of whom shall be the Pew Agent, who 
shall assist in the renting of pews and collecting pew 
rents. 

Sec 4. A Committee on Collections, consisting of 
at least six members, whose duty it shall be to take 
up the collections in the church, and hand the same 
to the Treasurer. 

Sec, 5. A Committee on Sexton, consisting of three 
members, whose duty shall be to see that the Sexton 
discharges his duties in a proper manner, and attends 
to the proper heating and ventilation of the church* 

Sec 6. A Committee on Music, consisting of three 
members, whose duty shall be to superintend the 
Chorister and Organist in the discharge of their duties, 
so far as they come under the direction of the 
Board. 

Article VL 

Election of Sexton, Chorister and Organist* 

The Board shall elect by ballot, as occasion may 
require, suitable persons to serve as Sexton, Chorister 
and Organist, who shall receive for their services 
such salary as the Board may determine from time 
to time ; the same to be paid quarterly. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 235 

Article VII. 

Auditing Committee \ 
At the Stated Meeting in December, a Committee 
of three shall be appointed to audit the accounts of 
the Treasurer and Pew Agent, and prepare the an- 
nual report to the congregation. 

Article VIII. 

Vacancies. 

The Board shall have power to fill all vacancies 
which may occur in their body by death, resignation 
or otherwise. 

Article IX. 

Alterations, additions or amendments to these By- 
Laws may be made by this Board, provided said 
alterations, &c, shall have been proposed in writing at 
least one month previous to acting thereon, and two- 
thirds of the members present concurring at the final 
decision. 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 237 



APPENDIX. 



After the manuscript copy of this history had 
passed into the hands of the publisher, and when 
some of the press-work had been completed, an 
unexpected endorsement was given to the writing, 
and publication of individual church history, by 
our General Assembly. 

At its meeting held in Baltimore during the latter 
part of May, 1873, when the subject of the "Centen- 
nial celebration of American Independence" was 
under consideration, an animated and protracted dis- 
cussion arose as to the wisdom and best mode of 
setting forth the progress of Presbyterianism in this 
country, during the last century. 

Following this discussion, a number of resolutions 
were passed; among which, was one, in substance, 
recommending the pastors of the several churches 
under the jurisdiction of the assembly, to prepare 
and have published in time for the great Centennial 
Exhibition, to be held at Philadelphia in 1876, his- 
tories of their several churches, copies of which were 
to be sent to the Presbyterian Historical Society. 

This action, while endorsing other actions referred 



238 HISTORY OF THE 

to in the prefatory article, has, in the publication 
of this volume not only been complied with, but 
anticipated. 

As recorded in the body of this history, it was 
believed that the Salem German Reformed congre- 
gation which purchased our " old church building," 
intended to hold and occupy it for their own services. 
The most that was expected, was, that the building 
would be somewhat enlarged and remodeled, to 
afford ample accommodations for their very large 
membership. 

Upon getting possession of the property, however, 
the people were undecided, as to what step to take. 
After waiting for some time, they rented it for a 
year to a congregation which had colonized from the 
Lutheran Church, at the corner of St. John and 
Brown streets. During this year, the renting con- 
gregation began and finished a church building in 
Fourth street, below Girard avenue. 

The "old building" again vacated, was used at 
times for concerts and other entertainments, in behalf 
of the congregation to which it belonged. No pains 
were taken to keep it in repair, and, as a consequence, 
it became thoroughly dilapidated. 

In the spring of 1873, the Salem congregation de- 
cided to build, and workmen about the beginning of 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 239 

July, began to tear down the "old building," in 
order to make place for the " new/' 

The tearing down revealed the fact, that there 
was greater strength in the walls of the. super- 
structure, than had previously been supposed ; but it 
also showed a foundation faulty, because it partly 
rested on made ground. 

Appearances indicated that when the church was 
erected, as much attention was given to the " burial 
vaults," as to the church edifice. There were twenty- 
six of these vaults ; ten in front, and sixteen on the 
east side of the building. 

As might have been inferred from the history, 
there was no " Corner-Stone." As already recorded, 
the building was erected by a "Stock Association," 
independent of any church organization. The formal 
transfer of the property to this congregation, did not 
take place for some time after the church had ac- 
cepted the invitation of the " Association " to worship 
in their building. 

It is the intention of the Salem congregation to 
erect a large edifice on the site of the old. They 
propose to adhere to the former width, but increase 
the depth- of the building, by having the front some 
eight or ten feet nearer the street line, and placing 
the rear wall on the back line of their lot. 



240 HISTORY OF THE 

The work ' of building is now going on ; and 
without attaching undue importance to time or place 
in our history, it will be pleasant in the future to 
remember that the spot where God in other days 
visited and blessed us, is still to invite like favors 
upon another Christian people, who are virtually one 
with us in doctrine and worship. 

"Were the words herein written only for the pre- 
sent, it would be needless to make mention of a 
change in the name of the street, on which the " Old 
Church " stood. 

We would have thought no street name, more 
enduring than the name of Coates street. The present 
generation, at least, will hardly become familiarized 
with the new name given to that old thoroughfare. 

But, recently our City Councils have ordered the 
old name on corners and street lamps to be taken 
down ; and while we may read intelligibly the old 
and oft-repeated name of Coates street on these 
pages, hereafter, others to read satisfactorily, must 
substitute in the place of the old, the new name, 
Fatrmount Avenue. 

We regret that we have not been able to secure a 
likeness of Rev. T. A. J. Mines, the second pastor of 
this church. Failure to secure, was not from want of 
effort. After much writing to those likely to have 



TEMPLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 241 

Borne reminder of him in picture, we are satisfied 
that no likeness of him can be had. 

The likeness of the first pastor is taken from an 
oil painting now in possession of his widow, who 
lives at Princeton, N". J., while the others are li- 
thographed from original photographs secured from 
themselves or from their friends, thus having their cor- 
rectness endorsed. No better fac-simile of an autograph 
can be had than that which accompanies the several 
likenesses. 

In closing this volume, I may be permitted to say- 
that I have labored upon it, as opportunity offered? 
for more than a year. I claim for it no literary 
merit, but do assert its historical accuracy. Had I 
known in the beginning the amount of time, pa- 
tience, research and correspondence required in its 
preparation, I would, to say the least, very reluc- 
tantly have commenced it, 

Now that it is done, I am compensated by the dis- 
coveries I have made of the faith, hope, and 
self-sacrificing spirit of God's people, as I am also, 
and chiefly, by the oft-repeated testimony GTod has 
given in the history of this church, that he will 
never leave nor forsake those who put their trust in 
Him. To Him be glory and honor, both now and 
forever. Amen. 

16 



CONTENTS. 



PREFACE, ,.,... page 8-4 

I. 

INTRODUCTORY HISTORY, page 7-11 

Missionary spirit of the Presbyterian Church ; north of Vine street amission 
field; the Second Church cultivating it— 7. The first services, where and by 
whom held ; interruptions by the Revolutionary war ; services resumed— 8. 
Erection of the first church building ; lot given, and by whom ; location » 
opening of the completed building; church organized: corporate title; Rev. 
James Patterson installed; astonishing growth; removal; new building 
finished and dedicated; popularity of Mr. Patterson's preaching — 9. Colony 
from the First Church ; new organization ; title ; pastor called ; place of wor- 
ship; embarrassment; another colony ; title — 10. Minister officiating ; union 
of the two colonies; plan of union; a second church building finished in the 
Northern Liberties — 11. 

II. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE 
NORTHERN LIBERTIES, page 11-1B 

Occasion of the organization — 11. Time and place of organization; officiating 
ministers ; members enrolled— 12. Elders elected ; pastor called ; sketch of 
his life — 13. Early steps to erect a building; lot purchased, and the price 
paid for it — 14. How the property was held ; Dimensions of the lot and build- 
ing; appearance of the church; accommodations — 15. Vaults; occupancy of 
the building; incidents connected with the opening services— 16. Charter 
secured; Charter members of the Board ; first annual meeting of the congre- 
gation ; officers in the first Board — 17. Steps taken by the congregation to 
secure the property ; spiritual interests ; resignation of the first pastor; acces- 
sions to the church ; a call declined — 18. 



11 CONTENTS. 

III. 

EEV. T. A. J. MINES, THE SECOND PASTOR, .... page 19-21 

Completion of the church building ; call of another pastor ; call accepted ; in- 
stallation ; sketch of the pastor's life ; resignation ; report of the committee 
on transfer of property— 19. Terms of transfer ; acceptance of the terms ; cost 
of the property— 20. Indebtedness of the congregation ; numerical strength ; 
trials— 21. 

IV. 

REV. ANSON ROOD, THE THIRD PASTOR, .... page 21-31 

Call extended and accepted ; installation ; salary fixed ; sketch of pastor's life ; 
qualifications — 21. Trials and triumphs; methods adopted to meet emergen- 
cies — 22. An occasion for thanksgiving; financial success — 23. Benevolence, 
liberality and charity ; purchase of an organ ; gas-light supplanting oil- 
light — 24. Spiritual blessings ; the Great Revival ; the pastor's health impaired ; 
communication to the Session — 25. Congregational action — 26. Resignation 
accepted; commissioners to Presbytery; committee to wait on the pastor; 
continued ill health — 28. Death, and resolutions thereon ; accessions to the 
church during Mr. Rood's pastorate— 29. A call extended, but declined ; rea- 
sons therefor ; disappointed hopes— 30. 

V. 

REV. JAMES P. WILSON, D. D., THE FOURTH PASTOR, . page 31-48 

The church without a pastor; condition of the church; sketch of Dr. Wilson's 
life — 31. Time of calling him to this church ; expectations ; new life infused ; 
salary promised ; salary increased ; the congregation disturbed ; a call to New 
York— 32. Congregational action ; citation ; Commissioners to Presbytery ; 
their work and success reported to the congregation— 33. Renewal of the call 
from New York ; letter from Dr. Wilson— 15. Resolutions of the congrega- 
tion— 47. Pastoral relation dissolved; accessions to the church — 48. 

Vf. 

REV. GEORGE DUFFIELD, Jr., THE FIFTH PASTOR . page 49-61 

The church seeking another pastor; qualifications needed; the name of Mr. 
Dufiield proposed ; sketch of his life; circumstances preceding his call ; cor- 
respondence — 49. Congregational meeting; a call extended; the pastor elect 
visits the church and preaches— 51. the ratification of their previous action 
by the congregation; acceptance of the call; installation; salary; hopeful 
signs; hindrances— 52. Thoughts of removal; a proposition to buy ; congre- 
gational action— 53. Removal again agitated ; special meeting of the congre- 
gation ; views of the pastor— 54 Report of a committee— 56. A resolution 
adopted ; new location suggested ; individual action ; the subject rests— 57. 



CONTENTS. Ill 

Deficiencies, and how met ; co-operation of pastor and people ; a dark pros- 
pect — 58. Light in darkness ; spiritual activity and success ; the revivals of 
1857 and 1858 — 59. Pastor's resignation; acceptance; committee to Presby- 
tery — 60. Resolution of the congregation ; pastoral relation dissolved ; acces- 
sions to the church— 61. 

VII. 

REV. JAMES Y. MITCHELL, THE SIXTH PASTOR, . . . page 61-77 

Pulpit supplies ; sketch of Mr. Mitchell's life— 61. Circumstances which pre- 
ceded his call— 62. Call extended ; salary fixed ; commissioners to Presby- 
tery; letter of acceptance— 64. Installation; sociables— 66. Quarterly sub- 
scriptions ; efforts to liquidate the church debt— 67. United effort ; successful 
termiuation; a gift; steps toward removal— 68. Pew deeds secured by the 
Board ; sale of the church property agitated : committee to obtain a new site ; 
a lot chosen and abandoned; the kind of building contemplated — 69. A 
building committee appointed ; another lot chosen and abandoned ; the reason 
and the consequence ; our present site desired, but not for sale — 70. Pastor's 
salary increased ; fixing the price of the church property — 71. A new com- 
mittee on site and building; committee on sale; our present site offered for 
sale — 72. Purchase made; terms; action of the Pastors' Association— 73. 
Committee to secure subscriptions; an unlooked-for event— 75. The occa- 
sion— 76. Increase of pastor's salary ; ~ mortgage authorized to be executed— 77. 

VIII. 

THE "OLD EDIFICE" SOLD, AND THE "NEW ONE" BUILDING, 

page 77-106 

Building Committee appointed— 77. The architect and his plans; supervision 
and arbitration ; amount paid to the architect ; a dilemma — 78. Unsuccessful 
efforts to sell the old building ; a gratifying surprise ; the building sold— 79. 
Suitable services following the sale; happy results — 80. Contractor's esti- 
mates ; building in part ; the lowest bidder ; making the contract ; work 
begun — 81. Circumstances attending the breaking of the ground; character 
of the foundation; laying of the first stone; laying the " Corner Stone" — 82. 
Arrangements ; the day ; the exercises ; contents of the " Corner Stone"— 83. 
Where the "Corner Stone" is laid; History deposited in the Corner 
Stone; original limits of Philadelphia— 84. Municipalities; population; 
Second Church— 85. First Church, N. L. ; Mr. Patterson— 86. Outgrowths— 87. 
Organization of our church ; survivors ; first elders — 88. First pastor ; when 
and where installed ; first administration of the Lord's Supper — 89. Death of 
Mr. Burroughs ; a pastoral relation formed and dissolved ; participants in the 
installation of Mr. Rood — 90. New elders ; participants at the installation of 
Dr. Wilson — 91. Participants at the installation of Mr. Duffield; new 
elders— 92. Participants at the installation of Mr. Mitchell; new elders ; a 
summary of history — 93 Anxious months — 95. Hopes excited— 96. Hopes 



IV CONTENTS. 

disappointed ; reasons— 97. Friends in need ; loans secured— 98. Roof com- 
pleted and tower topped out ; a delay ; terms arranged in the sale of the old 
property — 99. Leaving the old church ; reunion — 100. A new people posses- 
sing the old church; opening the new Lecture Room — 102. Simplicity of 
Presbyterianism — 101. Great hail-storm — 105. Voluntary addresses; collec- 
tions taken at the opening exercises — 106 . 

IX. 

FROM THE "LECTURE ROOM" TO THE "MAIN AUDIENCE ROOM," 

page 106-121 

The work already done ; alterations from the original plan— 106. Contracts for 
furnaces— 107. Extras; opinion of the building contractor— 108. Strength 
rather than beauty; numerical increase — 109. Pew renting; new mem- 
bers — 110. Creation of a mortgage authorized ; stocfc, scrip and memorial 
fund — 111. Memorial committee; success; first mortgage cancelled; an ad- 
dition to the " Building Committee ;" proposals invited — 113. Contract made ; 
how the building at this time appeared ; work done and alterations made — 114 
Pews; separate contracts — 115. Organ committee — 116. Testing gas fix- 
tures; programme of the dedication services — 117. Other participants ; col- 
lection; social gathering; choice of pews — 120. Committee on rentals; 
amount of rentals — 121. 

X. 

AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER— INCREASING THE NUMBER OF 
MEMBERS IN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND CHANGING THE 
CHURCH NAME, . page 121-131 

Amendments proposed— 121. Committees report; reception by the congrega- 
tion — 122. Power in a name ; reasons which suggested the change — 123. 
Another congregational meeting ; committee of conference — 125. Commit- 
tee's report, and action thereon — 126. Committee on names ; names pre- 
sented ; a vote and results; address by the pastor — 127. Committee on the 
amendments to the charter; charter amended — 129. First election under the 
amended charter ; final report of the Building Committee ; a look at the 
building — 130. Weakness, faith and triumph — 131. 

XI. 

A LOOK AT THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE CHURCH, p. 132-140 

Attention to spiritual affairs; little to encourage — 132. Numerical weakness ; 
discouraging times ; the war for the Union — 133. The church cold — 134. 
Blessings elsewhere ; tokens for good ; protracted services — 135. Fruits ; last 
communion in the old church ; light in the cloud — 136. The roll on coming 
to the new church; good beginnings— 137, Special services; new elder— 138. 
number added to the new church ; deaths, removals, whole number ; thanks- 
giving— 139. 



CONTENTS. V 

XII. 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL, r page 143-159 

Need of this article ; introductory — 143. First members of this church ; our 
Sunday School beginning — 144. Vicissitudes ; division into departments ; 
directors— 145. First mission schools; organization of the Sabbath School 
Association — 146. IKsbanding the first and organizing the second: its con- 
trol; members — 147. Main School; organization; superintendent; numbers; 
officers ; teachers ; class names — 148. Bible Classes ; first on record ; changes ' t 
present number; Infant School; object — 149. How conducted; numbers;, 
Mission Schools under the Association— 150. Number of scholars in all the 
departments ; monthly prayer-meeting ; commencement ; interruptions ; good 
results — 152. Library ; previous reports ; present condition ; Sunday School 
papers ; their introduction ; present arrangement — 153 Rewards ; when in- 
troduced ; how changed from time to tfme — 154. Anniversary ; missionary 
spirit — 155. Where contributions have been sent ; support of the school — 156. 
Legacy; fitting up the library room; a gift; the school and the new 
church — 157. Special donations from classes; conversions; importance of the 
work — 158 ; Encouragements — 159.. 

XIII. 

THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY, page 163-16& 

Working women ; first organization— 163. Vote of thanks ; Fair — 164. An in- 
vestment ; first money towards the new church ; Mite Society ; a grand sup- 
per— 165. Success; another Fair and supper ; Ladies' Aid— 166. Variety of 
entertainments ' t net amount raised ; disbursements ; donations— 167. Other 
disbursements and donations — 168, 

A CLOSING THOUGHT, . . . page 169> 

DEDICATORY EXERCISES, . page 173-182 

DIRECTORY, . page 183-214 

Time of reception of new members ; form of reception — 185. Baptism of chil- 
dren; place of baptism; time of baptism; custom; duty of parents — 191. 
Form used — 192. The Lord's Supper ; preparatory lecture — 194. Order of 
worship for Sabbath mornings and evenings — 195. Order of worship for com- 
munion Sabbaths — 196. Weekly meetings; monthly meetings — 193. Ses- 
sional meetings ; certificates of dismission ; annual meeting — 199. Former 
elders; present elders— 200. The Board of Trustees— 201. Present Board— 210. 
Former Superintendents of the Main Sunday School ; former Superintendents^ 
of the Infant School— 211. Present organization of the Sunday School— 212 ► 
Names of Sextons— 214. 



VI CONTENTS. 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS, . ... . . page 217-235 

Original Constitution— 217. Amendment of Article VI.— 225. Amendments of 
Articles I. and II.— 227. Present By-Laws of the Board of Trustees— 230. 

APPENDIX, page 237-241 

Endorsement of the General Assembly— 237. Uses of the old building on Coates 
street ; tearing it down — 238 Discoveries ; a larger building being erected — 
239 The name of Coates street changed ; the new name ; the likenesses of 
the pastors — 240. The past, comforts in the present— 241. 



EKRATA. 

Page 15 — 15th line from the top, instead of stone, read brick. 
" 70, 3d line from the bottom, instead of dilapitaied, read dilapidated. 

" 72, 11th line from the top, instead of Messers. read Messrs. 

" 96, 8th line from the bottom, instead of Whilden, read Whildin 
" 121, 6th line from the top, instead of Doman. read Do?-nan. 
11 123, 8th line from the bottom, instead of Presbyteria, read Presbyterial 
" 127, 2d line from the top, instead of Graver, read Craven. 

" 137, 12th line from the bottom, instead of Rev. G. W., read Rev. G. 

" 167, 12th line from the top, instead of owe, read done 
w 201, 7th line from the bottom, instead of Seiwart, read Stewart. 
" 202, 7th line from the bottom, omit the *. 

" 204, 4th line from the bottom, instead of Eckhardt, read Erhardi. 

" 205, 8th line from the top, put * before A. H. 
11 205, 5th line from the bottom, omit the * 
'• 210, 7th line from the bottom, put * before Robert 
n 211, 2d line from the bottom, instead of Mrs. J W , read Mrs J. P. 



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